Cartridge lockout arrangements for rotary powered surgical cutting and stapling instruments

ABSTRACT

A surgical cutting and stapling end effector. Various embodiments comprise a channel that is configured to operably support a removable staple cartridge. A rotary end effector drive shaft is supported within the channel and is configured to move a firing assembly longitudinally within the end effector to cause the sled to eject surgical staples from the staple cartridge. The firing assembly is prevented from moving distally through the channel unless a surgical staple cartridge that has a sled in a starting position has been seated within the channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application claiming priority under 35U.S.C. § 121 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/131,295, filed Apr.18, 2016, entitled CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROTARY POWEREDSURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, which issued on Nov. 19, 2019as U.S. Pat. No. 10,478,181, the entire disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to surgical instruments and, in variousarrangements, to surgical stapling and cutting instruments and staplecartridges for use therewith that are designed to staple and cut tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together withadvantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument system inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a rotary driven firingassembly and a sled of a surgical staple cartridge wherein the sled isin a starting position and the firing assembly is in a first “unlocked”position according to at least one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the portion of the rotary drivenfiring assembly embodiment of FIG. 2 in a second “locked” positionwherein the sled is not in the starting position;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a surgical staple cartridge beinginitially installed in a surgical end effector that is configured to cutand staple tissue in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is another side elevational view of the surgical staple cartridgeseated in the channel of the surgical end effector of FIG. 4 wherein thesled of the surgical staple cartridge is in a starting position and inengagement with the firing member of the surgical instrument;

FIG. 6 is another side elevational view of a partially used surgicalstaple cartridge seated in the channel of the surgical end effector ofFIG. 4 wherein the sled of the surgical staple cartridge is not in astarting position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a rotary driven firingassembly and channel of a surgical cutting and stapling end effectorwherein the firing assembly is in a “locked” position in accordance withat least one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of a portion of the rotary drivenfiring assembly of FIG. 7 and a sled of a surgical staple cartridgewherein the sled is in a starting position and the firing assembly is inan “unlocked” position;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a threaded nut portion of in accordancewith at least one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the threaded nut portion of FIG. 9being installed into a corresponding channel embodiment shown incross-section;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional elevational view of a channel and threadednut portion of FIG. 10 with the threaded nut portion in a lockedposition;

FIG. 12 is another cross-sectional elevational view of the channel andthreaded nut portion of FIGS. 10 and 11 with the nut portion in anunlocked position;

FIG. 13 is another cross-sectional elevational view of the channel andthreaded nut portion of FIGS. 10-12 with the threaded nut portion in alocked position and illustrating the initial installation of a sled of asurgical staple cartridge into the channel with the cartridge bodyomitted for clarity;

FIG. 14 is another cross-sectional elevational view of the channel,threaded nut portion and sled of FIG. 13 with the sled installed so asto move the nut portion to the unlocked position;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a surgical cuttingand stapling end effector in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective assembly view of an anvil assembly ofthe surgical end effector of FIG. 15 ;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the anvil assembly of FIG. 16 ;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector of FIG.15 with a firing member assembly thereof in a locked position;

FIG. 19 is another cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector ofFIG. 18 taken at a proximal end thereof with the firing member assemblyin an unlocked position;

FIG. 20 is another cross-sectional view of the surgical end effector ofFIG. 18 taken at a position that is distal to the view of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrumentcomprising a handle and a replaceable loading unit in accordance with atleast one embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the loading unit of FIG. 21 illustratedwith a staple cartridge jaw detached from the loading unit;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a surgical stapling instrumentcomprising a handle and a replaceable loading unit in accordance with atleast one embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the loading unit of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 25 illustrates the connection portions of the handle and loadingunit of FIG. 23 ;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of the loading unitof FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 27 is a detail view of the attachment between the staple cartridgejaw and a frame of the staple loading unit of FIG. 21 ;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of an end effector of a loading unitin accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a detail view of the attachment between a staple cartridgejaw and a frame of the loading unit of FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the frame of the loading unit of FIG.28 ;

FIG. 31 is a detail view of the proximal end of the staple cartridge jawof FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 32 is a detail view illustrating the connection between the frameand the staple cartridge jaw of FIG. 28 ;

FIG. 33 is an exploded view of a staple cartridge jaw in accordance withat least one embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a partial perspective view of a loading unit in accordancewith at least one embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a partial elevational view of a frame of a loading unit inaccordance with at least one embodiment illustrated without a staplecartridge jaw attached thereto;

FIG. 36 is a partial elevational view of a staple cartridge jaw attachedto the frame of the loading unit of FIG. 35 ;

FIG. 37 is a partial elevational view of the loading unit of FIG. 35illustrated in a clamped configuration;

FIG. 38 is a partial elevational view of the loading unit of FIG. 35illustrated in a partially-fired configuration;

FIG. 39 is a partial elevational view of a frame of a loading unit inaccordance with at least one embodiment illustrated without a staplecartridge jaw attached thereto;

FIG. 40 is a partial elevational view of a staple cartridge jaw attachedto the frame of the loading unit of FIG. 39 ;

FIG. 41 is a partial elevational view of the loading unit of FIG. 39illustrated in a clamped configuration;

FIG. 42 is a partial elevational view of the loading unit of FIG. 39illustrated in a partially-fired configuration;

FIG. 43 is a partial perspective view of the loading unit of FIG. 39illustrated with a staple cartridge jaw attached to the frame;

FIG. 44 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge jaw beingattached to a frame of a loading unit in accordance with at least oneembodiment;

FIG. 45 is a partial elevational view of an attempt to attach the staplecartridge jaw of FIG. 44 to a loading unit configured to receive adifferent staple cartridge jaw;

FIG. 46 is a partial elevational view of the staple cartridge jaw ofFIG. 44 attached to the frame of the loading unit of FIG. 44 ;

FIG. 47 is a partial elevational view of a connection between a staplecartridge jaw and a frame of a loading unit in accordance with at leastone embodiment;

FIG. 48 is a partial elevational view of the loading unit of FIG. 47 ;

FIG. 49 is a partial elevational view of a staple cartridge jawconfigured to be used with a different loading unit other than theloading unit of FIG. 47 attached to the loading unit of FIG. 47 ;

FIG. 50 is a partial elevational view of a surgical instrument systemcomprising a deflectable lockout arrangement illustrated in a lockedconfiguration;

FIG. 51 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument systemof FIG. 50 , wherein the lockout arrangement is illustrated in anunlocked configuration;

FIG. 52 is a partial elevational view of a surgical instrument systemcomprising a magnetic lockout arrangement illustrated in a lockedconfiguration;

FIG. 53 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument systemof FIG. 52 , wherein the magnetic lockout arrangement is illustrated inan unlocked configuration;

FIG. 54 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument systemof FIG. 52 , illustrated in a partially fired configuration;

FIG. 55 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge for asurgical instrument system, wherein the staple cartridge comprises adriver configured to control a lockout arrangement of the surgicalinstrument system;

FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a sled for use with the staplecartridge of FIG. 55 ;

FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the false driver of the staplecartridge of FIG. 55 ;

FIG. 58 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument systemutilizing the staple cartridge of FIG. 55 , wherein the surgicalinstrument system comprises a lockout arrangement configured to limitthe movement of a firing member until a staple cartridge is loaded intothe surgical instrument system;

FIG. 59 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument systemof FIG. 58 , wherein the lockout arrangement is illustrated in anunlocked configuration;

FIG. 60 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument systemof FIG. 58 , illustrated in a partially fired configuration;

FIG. 61 is a partial perspective view of a staple cartridge for use witha surgical instrument system, wherein the surgical instrument systemcomprises a lockout circuit comprising a severable member;

FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional plan view of the surgical instrument systemof FIG. 61 , wherein the surgical instrument system further comprises anelectromagnet and a lockout member, wherein the lockout member isillustrated in an unlocked position, and wherein the lockout circuit isin a closed configuration;

FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional plan view of the surgical instrument systemof FIG. 61 , wherein the lockout member is illustrated in a lockedposition, and wherein the lockout circuit is in an open configuration;

FIG. 64 is a perspective view of a surgical instrument system, whereinthe surgical instrument system comprises a circuit lockout arrangementcomprising electrical contacts positioned on a sled for use with astaple cartridge;

FIG. 65 is a partial elevational view of the surgical instrument systemof FIG. 64 ;

FIG. 66 is a partial cross-sectional view of a firing member lockoutillustrating the firing member lockout in a locked configuration;

FIG. 67 is a cross-sectional view of the firing member lockout of FIG.66 taken along line 67-67 in FIG. 66 ;

FIG. 68 is a partial cross-sectional view of the firing member lockoutof FIG. 66 illustrating the firing member lockout in an unlockedconfiguration;

FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view of the firing member lockout of FIG.66 taken along line 69-69 in FIG. 68 ;

FIG. 70 is a cross-sectional plan view of the firing member lockout ofFIG. 66 taken along line 70-70 in FIG. 68 ;

FIG. 71 is a partial elevational view of a stapling assembly comprisingan unspent staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 72 is a partial plan view of the stapling assembly of FIG. 71 ;

FIG. 73 is a partial elevational view of the stapling assembly of FIG.71 illustrated in a spent condition;

FIG. 74 is a partial plan view of the stapling assembly of FIG. 71illustrated in the condition of FIG. 73 ;

FIG. 75 is a partial perspective view of a stapling assembly comprisingan unspent staple cartridge in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 76 is a partial perspective view of the stapling assembly of FIG.75 illustrated in a spent condition;

FIG. 77 is a partial perspective view of a stapling assembly illustratedwith components removed for the purpose of illustration;

FIG. 78 illustrates a pin of the stapling assembly of FIG. 77 configuredto affect a detection circuit of the stapling assembly;

FIG. 79 is a partial perspective view of certain components of thestapling assembly of FIG. 77 ;

FIG. 80 is a partial perspective view of a shaft housing of the staplingassembly of FIG. 77 ;

FIG. 81 is a partial plan view of a staple cartridge in accordance withat least one embodiment;

FIG. 81A illustrates a firing force profile that is experienced whenfiring a staple cartridge in at least one embodiment;

FIG. 82 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling assemblycomprising a lockout in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 83 is a partial cross-sectional view of the stapling assembly ofFIG. 82 illustrated in a locked out configuration;

FIG. 84 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling assemblycomprising a lockout in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 85 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling assemblycomprising a lockout in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 86 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling assemblycomprising a brake in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 87 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling assemblycomprising a damping system in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 88 is a schematic illustrating a stapling assembly comprising anelectromagnetic brake in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 89 is a partial cross-sectional view of a stapling assemblycomprising a damping system in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 90 is an electrical circuit configured to detect the position andprogression of a staple firing member illustrating the staple firingmember in a fully fired position;

FIG. 91 illustrates the staple firing member of FIG. 90 in a fullyretracted position;

FIG. 92 is a cross-sectional view of a stapling assembly comprising alockout in accordance with at least one embodiment illustrated in anunlocked configuration;

FIG. 93 is a cross-sectional end view of the stapling assembly of FIG.92 illustrated in its unlocked configuration;

FIG. 94 is a cross-sectional view of the stapling assembly of FIG. 92illustrated in a locked configuration;

and

FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional end view of the stapling assembly of FIG.92 illustrated in its locked configuration.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate various embodiments of the invention, in one form, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 18, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/131,311, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKOUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,368,867;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/131,304, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A PRIMARY FIRING LOCKOUT AND A SECONDARY FIRINGLOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0296171;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/131,282, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING A MAGNETIC LOCKOUT, now U.S. Pat. No.10,363,037; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/131,289, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A REPLACEABLE CARTRIDGE JAW, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2017/0296191.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 15, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/130,575, entitled STAPLE FORMATIONDEJECTION MECHANISMS, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2017/0296189;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/130,582, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH DEFECTION SENSORS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2017/0296178;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/130,588, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH IMPROVED STOP/START CONTROL DURING A FIRING MOTION, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0296179;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/130,595, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH ADJUSTABLE STOP/START CONTROL DURING A FIRING MOTION,now U.S. Pat. No. 10,405,859;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/130,566, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE PROGRAM RESPONSES DURING A FIRING MOTION, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0296177;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/130,571, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE PROGRAM RESPONSES DURING A FIRING MOTION, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,357,247;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/130,581, entitled MODULAR SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH CONFIGURABLE OPERATING MODE, now U.S. Pat. No.10,355,145;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/130,590, entitled SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SURGICAL STAPLING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENT, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0296213; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/130,596, entitled SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SURGICAL STAPLING AND CUTTING INSTRUMENT, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0296169.

The Applicant of the present application owns the following U.S. patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 1, 2016 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,325, entitled METHOD FOROPERATING A SURGICAL STAPLING SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2017/0281171;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,321, entitled MODULAR SURGICALSTAPLING SYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,271,851;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,326, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A DISPLAY INCLUDING A RE-ORIENTABLE DISPLAY FIELD, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281172;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,263, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT HANDLE ASSEMBLY WITH RECONFIGURABLE GRIP PORTION, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,307,159;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,262, entitled ROTARY POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MANUALLY ACTUATABLE BAILOUT SYSTEM, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,357,246;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,277, entitled SURGICAL CUTTINGAND STAPLING END EFFECTOR WITH ANVIL CONCENTRIC DRIVE MEMBER, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281166;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,283, entitled CLOSURE SYSTEMARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL CUTTING AND STAPLING DEVICES WITH SEPARATE ANDDISTINCT FIRING SHAFTS, now U.S. Patent 2017/0281167;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,296, entitled INTERCHANGEABLESURGICAL TOOL ASSEMBLY WITH A SURGICAL END EFFECTOR THAT IS SELECTIVELYROTATABLE ABOUT A SHAFT AXIS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,413,293;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,258, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A SHIFTABLE TRANSMISSION, now U.S. Pat. No.10,342,543;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,278, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE SELECTIVE CUTTING OF TISSUE, now U.S. Pat.No. 10,420,552;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,284, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A CONTOURABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2017/0281186;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,295, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A TISSUE COMPRESSION LOCKOUT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2017/0281187;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,300, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING AN UNCLAMPING LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2017/0281179;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,196 entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW CLOSURE LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2017/0281183;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,203, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A JAW ATTACHMENT LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2017/0281184;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,210, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2017/0281185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,324, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SHIFTING MECHANISM, now U.S. Pat. No.10,314,582;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,335, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT COMPRISING MULTIPLE LOCKOUTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2017/0281155;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,339, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT, now U.S.

Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0281173;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,253, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM CONFIGURED TO APPLY ANNULAR ROWS OF STAPLES HAVING DIFFERENTHEIGHTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,413,297;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,304, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING A GROOVED FORMING POCKET, now U.S. Pat. No.10,285,705;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,331, entitled ANVIL MODIFICATIONMEMBERS FOR SURGICAL STAPLERS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,376,263;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,336, entitled STAPLE CARTRIDGESWITH ATRAUMATIC FEATURES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2017/0281164;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,312, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING AN INCISABLE TISSUE SUPPORT, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2017/0281189;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,309, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING ROTARY FIRING SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2017/0281169; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/089,349, entitled CIRCULAR STAPLINGSYSTEM COMPRISING LOAD CONTROL, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2017/0281174.

The Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. Patentapplications identified below which were filed on Dec. 31, 2015 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,488, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR BATTERY PACK FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,now U.S. Pat. No. 10,292,704;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,525, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/984,552, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH SEPARABLE MOTORS AND MOTOR CONTROL CIRCUITS, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,265,068.

The Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patentapplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 9, 2016 which areeach herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,220, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH ARTICULATING AND AXIALLY TRANSLATABLE END EFFECTOR, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,245,029;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,228, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE LINK ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224342;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,196, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ARTICULATION MECHANISM WITH SLOTTED SECONDARY CONSTRAINT, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,413,291;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,206, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH AN END EFFECTOR THAT IS HIGHLY ARTICULATABLE RELATIVETO AN ELONGATE SHAFT ASSEMBLY, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2017/0224331;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,215, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH NON-SYMMETRICAL ARTICULATION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2017/02243332;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,227, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH SINGLE ARTICULATION LINK ARRANGEMENTS, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224334;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,235, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH PENSIONING ARRANGEMENTS FOR CABLE DRIVEN ARTICULATIONSYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,245,030;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,230, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-AXIS FIRING BEAM ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0224335; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/019,245, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH CLOSURE STROKE REDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2017/0224343.

The Applicant of the present application also owns the U.S. patentapplications identified below which were filed on Feb. 12, 2016 whichare each herein incorporated by reference in their respective entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,254, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,258,331;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,259, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231626;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,275, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231627; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/043,289, entitled MECHANISMS FORCOMPENSATING FOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, nowU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0231628.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Jun. 18, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,925, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH POSITIVE JAW OPENING ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.10,182,818;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,941, entitled SURGICAL ENDEFFECTORS WITH DUAL CAM ACTUATED JAW CLOSING FEATURES, now U.S. Pat. No.10,052,102;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,914, entitled MOVABLE FIRINGBEAM SUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,405,863;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,900, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH COMPOSITE FIRING BEAM STRUCTURES WITH CENTERFIRING SUPPORT MEMBER FOR ARTICULATION SUPPORT, now U.S. Pat. No.10,335,149;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,885, entitled DUAL ARTICULATIONDRIVE SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,368,861; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/742,876, entitled PUSH/PULLARTICULATION DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,178,992.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 6, 2015 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,746, entitled POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,246;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,795, entitled MULTIPLE LEVELTHRESHOLDS TO MODIFY OPERATION OF POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256185;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,832, entitled ADAPTIVE TISSUECOMPRESSION TECHNIQUES TO ADJUST CLOSURE RAPES FOR MULTIPLE TISSUETYPES, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256154;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,935, entitled OVERLAID MULTISENSOR RADIO FREQUENCY (RF) ELECTRODE SYSTEM TO MEASURE TISSUECOMPRESSION, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256071;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,831, entitled MONITORING SPEEDCONTROL AND PRECISION INCREMENTING OF MOTOR FOR POWERED SURGICALINSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,895,148;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,859, entitled TIME DEPENDENTEVALUATION OF SENSOR DATA TO DETERMINE STABILITY, CREEP, ANDVISCOELASTIC ELEMENTS OF MEASURES, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,052,044;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,817, entitled INTERACTIVEFEEDBACK SYSTEM FOR POWERED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,924,961;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,844, entitled CONTROL TECHNIQUESAND SUB-PROCESSOR CONTAINED WITHIN MODULAR SHAFT WITH SELECT CONTROLPROCESSING FROM HANDLE, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,045,776;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,837, entitled SMART SENSORS WITHLOCAL SIGNAL PROCESSING, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,993,248;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,765, entitled SYSTEM FORDETECTING THE MIS-INSERTION OF A STAPLE CARTRIDGE INTO A SURGICALSTAPLER, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0256160;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,799, entitled SIGNAL AND POWERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM POSITIONED ON A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Pat. No.9,901,342; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/640,780, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A LOCKABLE BATTERY HOUSING, now U.S. Pat. No.10,245,033.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Feb. 27, 2015, and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,576, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM COMPRISING AN INSPECTION STATION, now U.S. Pat. No.10,245,779;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,546, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUSCONFIGURED TO ASSESS WHETHER A PERFORMANCE PARAMETER OF THE SURGICALAPPARATUS IS WITHIN AN ACCEPTABLE PERFORMANCE BAND, now U.S. Pat. No.10,180,463;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,560, entitled SURGICAL CHARGINGSYSTEM THAT CHARGES AND/OR CONDITIONS ONE OR MORE BATTERIES, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0249910;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,566, entitled CHARGING SYSTEMTHAT ENABLES EMERGENCY RESOLUTIONS FOR CHARGING A BATTERY, now U.S. Pat.No. 10,182,816;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,555, entitled SYSTEM FORMONITORING WHETHER A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT NEEDS TO BE SERVICED, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,321,907;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,542, entitled REINFORCED BATTERYFOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,931,118;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,548, entitled POWER ADAPTER FORA SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,245,028;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,526, entitled ADAPTABLE SURGICALINSTRUMENT HANDLE, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,993,258;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,541, entitled MODULAR STAPLINGASSEMBLY, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,226,250; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/633,562, entitled SURGICAL APPARATUSCONFIGURED TO TRACK AN END-OF-LIFE PARAMETER, now U.S. Pat. No.10,159,483.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Dec. 18, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,478, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEMS COMPRISING AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR AND MEANSFOR ADJUSTING THE FIRING STROKE OF A FIRING, now U.S. Pat. No.9,844,374;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,483, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING LOCKABLE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No.10,188,385;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,139, entitled DRIVE ARRANGEMENTSFOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,844,375;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,148, entitled LOCKINGARRANGEMENTS FOR DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES WITH ARTICULATABLE SURGICALEND EFFECTORS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,085,748;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,130, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT WITH AN ANVIL THAT IS SELECTIVELY MOVABLE ABOUT A DISCRETENON-MOVABLE AXIS RELATIVE TO A STAPLE CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Pat. No.10,245,027;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,143, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.10,004,501;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,117, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND MOVABLE FIRING BEAMSUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,943,309;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/575,154, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENTS WITH ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTORS AND IMPROVED FIRING BEAMSUPPORT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,968,355;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,493, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S.Pat. No. 9,987,000; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/574,500, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A LOCKABLE ARTICULATION SYSTEM, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,117,649.

Applicant of the present application owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 1, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,295, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CONDUCTIVE PATHWAYS FOR SIGNAL COMMUNICATION,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,700,309;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,323, entitled ROTARY POWEREDARTICULATION JOINTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,782,169;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,338, entitled THUMBWHEEL SWITCHARRANGEMENTS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2014/0249557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,499, entitled ELECTROMECHANICALSURGICAL DEVICE WITH SIGNAL RELAY ARRANGEMENT, now U.S. Pat. No.9,358,003;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,460, entitled MULTIPLE PROCESSORMOTOR CONTROL FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,554,794;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,358, entitled JOYSTICK SWITCHASSEMBLIES FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,326,767;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,481, entitled SENSORSTRAIGHTENED END EFFECTOR DURING REMOVAL THROUGH TROCAR, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,468,438;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,518, entitled CONTROL METHODSFOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH REMOVABLE IMPLEMENT PORTIONS, now U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0246475;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,375, entitled ROTARY POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DEGREES OF FREEDOM, now U.S. Pat. No.9,398,911; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/782,536, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SOFT STOP, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,307,986.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 14, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,097, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING A FIRING DRIVE, now U.S. Pat. No.9,687,230;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,193, entitled CONTROLARRANGEMENTS FOR A DRIVE MEMBER OF A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,332,987;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,053, entitled INTERCHANGEABLESHAFT ASSEMBLIES FOR USE WITH A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No.9,883,860;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,086, entitled ARTICULATABLESURGICAL INSTRUMENT COMPRISING AN ARTICULATION LOCK, now U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2014/0263541;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,210, entitled SENSORARRANGEMENTS FOR ABSOLUTE POSITIONING SYSTEM FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,808,244;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,148, entitled MULTI-FUNCTIONMOTOR FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2014/0263554;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,066, entitled DRIVE SYSTEMLOCKOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,629,623;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,117, entitled ARTICULATIONCONTROL SYSTEM FOR ARTICULATABLE SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,351,726;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,130, entitled DRIVE TRAINCONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR MODULAR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,351,727; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,159, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEMFOR OPERATING A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,888,919.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplication that was filed on Mar. 7, 2014 and is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/200,111, entitled CONTROL SYSTEMSFOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,629,629.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Mar. 26, 2014 and are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,106, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTCONTROL SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272582;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,099, entitled STERILIZATIONVERIFICATION CIRCUIT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,826,977;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,094, entitled VERIFICATION OFNUMBER OF BATTERY EXCHANGES/PROCEDURE COUNT, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272580;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,117, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTTHROUGH SLEEP OPTIONS OF SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND WAKE UP CONTROL, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,013,049;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,075, entitled MODULAR POWEREDSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH DETACHABLE SHAFT ASSEMBLIES, now U.S. Pat. No.9,743,929;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,093, entitled FEEDBACKALGORITHMS FOR MANUAL BAILOUT SYSTEMS FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,028,761;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,116, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT UTILIZING SENSOR ADAPTATION, now U.S. Patent ApplicationPublication No. 2015/0272571;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,071, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT CONTROL CIRCUIT HAVING A SAFETY PROCESSOR, now U.S. Pat. No.9,690,362;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,097, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,820,738;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,126, entitled INTERFACE SYSTEMSFOR USE WITH SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,004,497;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,133, entitled MODULAR SURGICALINSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2015/0272557;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,081, entitled SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR CONTROLLING A SEGMENTED CIRCUIT, now U.S. Pat. No.9,804,618;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,076, entitled POWER MANAGEMENTTHROUGH SEGMENTED CIRCUIT AND VARIABLE VOLTAGE PROTECTION, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,733,663;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,111, entitled SURGICAL STAPLINGINSTRUMENT SYSTEM, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,750,499; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/226,125, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A ROTATABLE SHAFT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,201,364.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Sep. 5, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,103, entitled CIRCUITRY ANDSENSORS FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,111,679;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,119, entitled ADJUNCT WITHINTEGRATED SENSORS TO QUANTIFY TISSUE COMPRESSION, now U.S. Pat. No.9,724,094;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,908, entitled MONITORING DEVICEDEGRADATION BASED ON COMPONENT EVALUATION, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,737,301;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/478,895, entitled MULTIPLE SENSORSWITH ONE SENSOR AFFECTING A SECOND SENSOR'S OUTPUT OR INTERPRETATION,now U.S. Pat. No. 9,757,128;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,110, entitled USE OF POLARITY OFHALL MAGNET DEFECTION TO DEFECT MISLOADED CARTRIDGE, now U.S. Pat. No.10,016,199;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,098, entitled SMART CARTRIDGEWAKE UP OPERATION AND DATA RETENTION, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,135,242;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,115, entitled MULTIPLE MOTORCONTROL FOR POWERED MEDICAL DEVICE, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,788,836; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/479,108, entitled LOCAL DISPLAY OFTISSUE PARAMETER STABILIZATION, now U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2016/0066913.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 9, 2014 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,590, entitled MOTOR DRIVENSURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH LOCKABLE DUAL DRIVE SHAFTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,826,976;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,581, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A CLOSING DRIVE AND A FIRING DRIVE OPERATED FROMTHE SAME ROTATABLE OUTPUT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,649,581;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,595, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT SHAFT INCLUDING SWITCHES FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF THESURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,844,368;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,588, entitled POWERED LINEARSURGICAL STAPLER, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,405,857;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,591, entitled TRANSMISSIONARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,149,680;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,584, entitled MODULAR MOTORDRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH ALIGNMENT FEATURES FOR ALIGNING ROTARYDRIVE SHAFTS WITH SURGICAL END EFFECTOR SHAFTS, now U.S. Pat. No.9,801,626;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,587, entitled POWERED SURGICALSTAPLER, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,867,612;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,586, entitled DRIVE SYSTEMDECOUPLING ARRANGEMENT FOR A SURGICAL INSTRUMENT, now U.S. Pat. No.10,136,887; and

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/248,607, entitled MODULAR MOTORDRIVEN SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS WITH STATUS INDICATION ARRANGEMENTS, nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,814,460.

Applicant of the present application also owns the following patentapplications that were filed on Apr. 16, 2013 and which are each hereinincorporated by reference in their respective entireties:

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,365, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,376, entitled LINEARCUTTER WITH POWER; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/812,382, entitled LINEAR CUTTER WITH MOTOR AND PISTOL GRIP;

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,385, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT HANDLE WITH MULTIPLE ACTUATION MOTORS AND MOTORCONTROL; and

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/812,372, entitledSURGICAL INSTRUMENT WITH MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS PERFORMED BY A SINGLE MOTOR.

Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and useof the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. Well-known operations, components, andelements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure theembodiments described in the specification. The reader will understandthat the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limitingexamples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein may be representative andillustrative. Variations and changes thereto may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the claims.

The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and“comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and“having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and“including”) and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains”and “containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a surgicalsystem, device, or apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or“contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements,but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements.Likewise, an element of a system, device, or apparatus that “comprises,”“has,” “includes” or “contains” one or more features possesses those oneor more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one ormore features.

The terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to aclinician manipulating the handle portion of the surgical instrument.The term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the clinician andthe term “distal” refers to the portion located away from the clinician.It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity,spatial terms such as “vertical”, “horizontal”, “up”, and “down” may beused herein with respect to the drawings. However, surgical instrumentsare used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are notintended to be limiting and/or absolute.

Various exemplary devices and methods are provided for performinglaparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical procedures. However, thereader will readily appreciate that the various methods and devicesdisclosed herein can be used in numerous surgical procedures andapplications including, for example, in connection with open surgicalprocedures. As the present Detailed Description proceeds, the readerwill further appreciate that the various instruments disclosed hereincan be inserted into a body in any way, such as through a naturalorifice, through an incision or puncture hole formed in tissue, etc. Theworking portions or end effector portions of the instruments can beinserted directly into a patient's body or can be inserted through anaccess device that has a working channel through which the end effectorand elongate shaft of a surgical instrument can be advanced.

A surgical stapling system can comprise a shaft and an end effectorextending from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw and asecond jaw. The first jaw comprises a staple cartridge. The staplecartridge is insertable into and removable from the first jaw; however,other embodiments are envisioned in which a staple cartridge is notremovable from, or at least readily replaceable from, the first jaw. Thesecond jaw comprises an anvil configured to deform staples ejected fromthe staple cartridge. The second jaw is pivotable relative to the firstjaw about a closure axis; however, other embodiments are envisioned inwhich first jaw is pivotable relative to the second jaw. The surgicalstapling system further comprises an articulation joint configured topermit the end effector to be rotated, or articulated, relative to theshaft. The end effector is rotatable about an articulation axisextending through the articulation joint. Other embodiments areenvisioned which do not include an articulation joint.

The staple cartridge comprises a cartridge body. The cartridge bodyincludes a proximal end, a distal end, and a deck extending between theproximal end and the distal end. In use, the staple cartridge ispositioned on a first side of the tissue to be stapled and the anvil ispositioned on a second side of the tissue. The anvil is moved toward thestaple cartridge to compress and clamp the tissue against the deck.Thereafter, staples removably stored in the cartridge body can bedeployed into the tissue. The cartridge body includes staple cavitiesdefined therein wherein staples are removably stored in the staplecavities. The staple cavities are arranged in six longitudinal rows.Three rows of staple cavities are positioned on a first side of alongitudinal slot and three rows of staple cavities are positioned on asecond side of the longitudinal slot. Other arrangements of staplecavities and staples may be possible.

The staples are supported by staple drivers in the cartridge body. Thedrivers are movable between a first, or unfired position, and a second,or fired, position to eject the staples from the staple cavities. Thedrivers are retained in the cartridge body by a retainer which extendsaround the bottom of the cartridge body and includes resilient membersconfigured to grip the cartridge body and hold the retainer to thecartridge body. The drivers are movable between their unfired positionsand their fired positions by a sled. The sled is movable between aproximal position adjacent the proximal end and a distal positionadjacent the distal end. The sled comprises a plurality of rampedsurfaces configured to slide under the drivers and lift the drivers, andthe staples supported thereon, toward the anvil.

Further to the above, the sled is moved distally by a firing member. Thefiring member is configured to contact the sled and push the sled towardthe distal end. The longitudinal slot defined in the cartridge body isconfigured to receive the firing member. The anvil also includes a slotconfigured to receive the firing member. The firing member furthercomprises a first cam which engages the first jaw and a second cam whichengages the second jaw. As the firing member is advanced distally, thefirst cam and the second cam can control the distance, or tissue gap,between the deck of the staple cartridge and the anvil. The firingmember also comprises a knife configured to incise the tissue capturedintermediate the staple cartridge and the anvil. It is desirable for theknife to be positioned at least partially proximal to the rampedsurfaces such that the staples are ejected ahead of the knife.

Certain surgical stapling and cutting end effectors described hereininclude an elongate channel configured to removably receive a staplecartridge that has surgical staples stored therein. The staple cartridgeincludes ejectors, or drivers, movably supported within a cartridge bodyof the staple cartridge which are each configured to support one or morestaples thereon. The staple supporting drivers are arranged inlongitudinal rows within the cartridge body located on each side of alongitudinally-extending slot defined in the cartridge body. The slot isconfigured to movably accommodate a firing member that may have a tissuecutting edge thereon that serves to cut the tissue that has been clampedbetween the anvil and the staple cartridge. The drivers are urgedupwardly in the cartridge body, i.e., toward a deck of the cartridgebody, when they are contacted by a sled that is configured to be drivenlongitudinally through the cartridge body by the firing member. The sledis movably supported in the cartridge and includes a plurality of angledor wedge-shaped cams that correspond to lines of staple drivers withinthe cartridge body. In an unfired or “fresh” staple cartridge, the sledis positioned in a starting position that is proximal to the first, orproximal-most, staple drivers in each line. The sled is advanceddistally by the firing member during a firing stroke to eject thestaples from the cartridge body. Once the staple cartridge has been atleast partially fired, i.e., ejected from the cartridge body, the firingmember is retracted back to a beginning or unfired position and the sledremains at a distal end of the now-spent staple cartridge. Once thefiring member has been returned to the beginning or unfired position,the spent staple cartridge may be removed from the channel of the endeffector.

Further to the above, a surgical instrument system 10 is illustrated inFIG. 1 . The surgical instrument system 10 comprises a handle 14 and ashaft assembly 200 which is removably attachable to the handle 14. Theshaft assembly 200 comprises an end effector 300 including a cartridgechannel 302 and an anvil 306 movable relative to the cartridge channel302. A staple cartridge 304 is removably positioned in the cartridgechannel 302.

Such cutting and stapling end effectors are mounted to a distal end ofan elongate shaft assembly that operably supports various drive shaftsand components configured to apply various control motions to the endeffector. In various instances, a shaft assembly may include anarticulation joint or can be otherwise configured to facilitate thearticulation of the end effector relative to a portion of the elongateshaft when articulation motions are applied to the end effector. Theshaft assembly is coupled to a housing that supports various drivesystems that operably interface with various components in the elongateshaft assembly. In certain arrangements, the housing may comprise ahandheld housing or handle. In other arrangements, the housing maycomprise a portion of a robotic or automated surgical system. Thevarious drive systems of the housing may be configured to apply axialdrive motions, rotary drive motions, and/or combinations of axial androtary drive motions to the elongate shaft assembly. In handheldarrangements, the axial motions may be generated by one or moremanually-actuated handcranks and/or generated by one more electricmotors. The robotic system may employ electric motors and/or otherautomated drive arrangements that are configured to generate and applythe necessary control motions to the elongate shaft assembly and, insome cases, ultimately to the firing member in the end effector.

For surgical end effectors that require rotary control motions, theelongate shaft assembly may include a “proximal” rotary drive shaftportion that is rotated by a corresponding motor or other source ofrotary motion that is supported in the housing. The proximal rotarydrive shaft is configured to apply the rotary control motion to an endeffector drive shaft that is supported in the end effector. In sucharrangements, the firing member interfaces with the end effector driveshaft such that the firing member may be longitudinally advanced throughthe end effector and then returned to the unfired position.

When using surgical instruments that are configured to cut and stapletissue, measures should be taken to ensure that an unspent surgicalstaple cartridge has been properly installed in the end effector of thesurgical instrument prior to actuating the firing drive system of thesurgical instrument. If a clinician were to inadvertently actuate atissue cutting member of the firing drive system without first havinginstalled an unspent staple cartridge in the end effector, for instance,the tissue cutting member may sever the tissue without stapling itSimilar problems could also arise if the clinician were to unwittinglyinstall a partially-spent staple cartridge into the end effector. Apartially-spent staple cartridge can be created when a staple cartridgeis used in a prior procedure, or a prior step in a procedure, and thenremoved from the end effector before all of the staples have beenejected therefrom. If such a partially-spent cartridge were to bere-used in the surgical instrument, the tissue cutting member may createan incision in the tissue that is longer than the staple lines that areapplied to the tissue. Thus, when using surgical end effectors that areconfigured to cut and staple tissue, it is desirable for the surgicalend effector to be configured to prevent the actuation of the tissuecutting member unless an unspent “fresh” staple cartridge has beenproperly installed in the end effector.

FIGS. 2 and 3 depict portions of a surgical cutting and stapling endeffector 20000 that may address such concerns. As can be seen in FIGS. 2and 3 , the end effector 20000 includes a rotary end effector driveshaft 20010. Although not shown, the rotary end effector drive shaft20010 is rotatably supported within an elongate channel that isconfigured to removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. Therotary end effector drive shaft 20010 is configured to receive rotarydrive motions from a proximal rotary drive shaft that is attached to thechannel or otherwise operably interfaces with the rotary end effectordrive shaft 20010. Rotary control motions may be applied to the proximalrotary drive shaft through a corresponding drive arrangement that maycomprise a motor or motors that are manually actuated or controlled by arobotic control system or other source(s) of rotary control motions. Inalternative arrangements, the rotary control motions may be manuallygenerated. Still referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , the surgical end effector20000 comprises a firing assembly 20020 that is configured forlongitudinal travel within the channel. In the illustrated embodiment,the firing assembly 20020 comprises an upper firing body 20022 that hasa distal firing lug 20024 and a proximal firing lug 20026. The distalfiring lug 20024 has an unthreaded hole (not shown) therein that isconfigured to receive the rotary end effector drive shaft 20010therethrough. The proximal firing lug 20026 is spaced from the distalfiring lug 20024 to define a nut cavity 20028 therebetween. The proximalfiring lug 20026 has an unthreaded hole 20027 therethrough that isconfigured to receive the rotary end effector drive shaft 20010therethrough.

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the rotary end effector drive shaft20010 is threaded. The firing assembly 20020 comprises a travel nut20030 that is threadably journaled on the rotary end effector driveshaft 20010 and is located in the nut cavity 20028 between the distalfiring lug 20026 and proximal firing lug 20027. The travel nut 20040 ismovable within the nut cavity 20028 between a first position (FIG. 2 )and a second position (FIG. 3 ). The travel nut 20040 includes an uppernotched portion 20042 that has a distally extending retainer tab 20044protruding therefrom. When the travel nut 20040 is in the firstposition, the notched upper portion 20042 is in vertical alignment withthe upper firing body 20022 of the firing assembly 20020. As can befurther seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the distal firing lug 20024 may includea pair of laterally protruding distal fins 20025 (only one can be seenin the Figures) and the proximal firing lug 20026 may include a pair oflaterally protruding proximal fins 20027. Likewise, the travel nut 20040may include a pair of nut fins 20046 that are configured to align withthe distal fins 20025 and the proximal fins 20027 when the travel nut20040 is in the first position. See FIG. 2 . When in that alignedposition, the fins 20025, 20027 and 20046 are free to pass within achannel provided in the body of the staple cartridge. Also in theillustrated arrangement, the upper body portion 20022 of the firingassembly 20020 includes a pair of laterally protruding upper fins 20030that are configured to be slidably received in corresponding channels inthe anvil or otherwise slidably engage the anvil as the firing assemblyis distally driven through the end effector. Thus, the fins 20025,20027, 20046 and upper fins 20030 serve to retain the anvil at a desireddistance from the staple cartridge during the firing process. The firingassembly 20020 also includes a tissue cutting surface or tissue cuttingblade 20032 for cutting the tissue that has been clamped between theanvil and the staple cartridge.

The channel of the surgical end effector 20000 is configured to operablyand removably support a surgical staple cartridge therein that includesa sled 20050. The sled 20050 is movable from a starting position locatedin the proximal end of the staple cartridge to an ending position withinthe cartridge. The sled 20050 includes a central sled body 20052 thathas a collection of cam wedges 20054 formed therein. In the illustratedexample, the sled 20050 includes four cam wedges 20054 with two camwedges 20054 being located on each side of the central sled body 20052.Each cam wedge 20054 would correspond to a line of staple supportingdrivers located in the cartridge body. As the sled 20050 is drivendistally through the cartridge body, the cam wedges 20054 wouldsequentially drive the staple drivers in the corresponding line upwardwithin the cartridge body to thereby drive the staples into formingcontact with the underside of the anvil.

In the illustrated example, the sled 20050 includes retention cavity20056 that is formed in the central sled body 20052 that is configuredto retainingly engage the distally extending retainer tab 20044 on thetravel nut 20040 when the travel nut is in the first position and thesled 20050 is in the starting (pre-fired) position. See FIG. 2 . Incertain arrangements, one or more biasing members 20060 may be providedin the firing assembly 20020 to bias the travel nut 20040 into the firstposition. For example, a torsion spring may be supported in one or bothof the proximal firing lug 20024 and distal firing lug 20026 to bias thetravel nut 20040 into the first position (direction D₁) when thethreaded end effector drive shaft 20020 is unactuated. However, when thethreaded end effector drive shaft 20020 is rotated in the firingdirection (D₂), the rotating drive shaft 20020 overcomes the bias of thebiasing member(s) 20060 and will move the travel nut 20030 to the secondposition shown in FIG. 3 . When the travel nut 20030 is in the secondposition, the retention tab 20044 is out of alignment with the slot inthe cartridge body that slidably accommodates the central sled body20052 and the nut fins 20046 are out of alignment with the channels inthe cartridge body. Thus, further rotation of the rotary end effectordrive rod 20010 will not drive the firing assembly 20020 distally due tothis misalignment of the tab 20044 and the fins 20046 with thecorresponding portions of the cartridge body. However, if the cartridgeis unspent (never been fired), the cartridge will have a sled 20050 inthe starting position. When the cartridge is properly seated in the endeffector channel, the retainer tab 20044 will be received in theretention cavity 20056 in the sled 20050 which will retain the travelnut 20030 in the first position when the rotary end effector drive shaft20010 is rotated in the firing direction. Thus, such arrangement willprevent the clinician from unwittingly advancing the firing assembly20020 (and tissue cutting surface 20044) when an unspent cartridge hasnot been properly seated in the channel. If a spent or even a partiallyspent cartridge is seated in the channel, the sled will not be in thestarting position and the clinician will not be able to fire the firingassembly. If an unspent cartridge is present in the channel, but has notbee properly seated therein so that retention tab is received within theretention cavity in the sled, the clinician will be unable to advancethe firing assembly.

Turning next to FIGS. 4-6 , portions of another surgical cutting andstapling end effector 20100 are shown. The end effector 20100 includes achannel 20110 that is configured to removably receive therein a surgicalstaple cartridge 20200. In at least one embodiment, the end effector20100 includes a rotary end effector drive shaft 20120 that isselectively movable or deflectable between a first “locked” position anda second “drive” position. The rotary end effector drive shaft 20120 isconfigured to receive rotary drive motions from a proximal rotary driveshaft (not shown). Rotary control motions may be applied to the proximalrotary drive shaft through a corresponding drive arrangement that maycomprise a motor or motors that are manually actuated or controlled by arobotic control system. In alternative arrangements, the rotary controlmotions may be manually generated. The rotary end effector drive shaft20120 may be rotatably supported on its proximal and distal ends bycorresponding rotary bearing arrangements or cradles that facilitateoperational rotation of the rotary end effector drive shaft 20120, yetenable a portion of the rotary end effector drive shaft to deflectbetween the first and second positions while remaining in rotationaloperational engagement with the proximal rotary a drive shaft or othersource of rotary motion.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4-8 , the surgical end effector 20100 comprisesa firing assembly 20130 that is configured for longitudinal travelwithin the channel 20110. In the illustrated embodiment, the firingassembly 20130 comprises a firing body 20132 that is threadablyjournaled on the rotary end effector drive shaft 20120. The firing body20132 includes a pair of laterally protruding fins 20134 that areconfigured to pass within a passage 20112 in the channel 20110. Thepassage 20112 may be defined by two inwardly extending spaced channeltabs 20114 (only one tab can be seen in FIGS. 7 and 8 ) that have a slot20116 therebetween to accommodate the rotary end effector drive shaft20120 as well as passage of the firing body 20132 therebetween. SeeFIGS. 7 and 8 . Also in the illustrated arrangement, an upper bodyportion 20136 of the firing assembly 20130 includes a pair of laterallyprotruding upper fins 20138 that are configured to be slidably receivedin corresponding channels 20152 in an anvil 20150 as the firing assembly20130 is distally driven through the end effector 20100. Thus, the fins20134 and 20138 serve to retain the anvil 20150 at a desired distancefrom the staple cartridge 20200 during the firing process. The firingassembly 20130 also includes a tissue cutting surface or tissue cuttingblade 20139 that is configured to cut the tissue that has been clampedbetween the anvil and the staple cartridge.

FIG. 4 illustrates installation of an unspent staple cartridge 20200into the surgical end effector 20100. As can be seen in FIG. 4 , theunspent staple cartridge 20200 includes a sled 20210 that is located ina starting position. The sled 20210 is movable from the startingposition located in the proximal end of the staple cartridge 20200 to anending position within the cartridge 20200. As can be seen in FIG. 8 ,the sled 20210 includes a central sled body 20212 that has a collectionof cam wedges 20214 formed therein. In the illustrated example, the sled20210 includes four cam wedges 20214 with two cam wedges 20214 beinglocated on each side of the central sled body 20212. Each cam wedge20214 corresponds to a line of staple supporting drivers that aresupported in the cartridge 20200. As the sled 20210 is driven distallythrough the cartridge 20200, the cam wedges 20214 sequentially drive thestaple drivers in the corresponding line upward within the cartridge20200 to thereby drive the staples into forming contact with theunderside of the anvil 2015. Prior to seating the unspent staplecartridge 20200 in the channel 20110, the rotary drive shaft 20120 islocated in the first or up position (represented by arrow “U”). FIG. 7illustrates the position of the rotary drive shaft 20120 and the firingassembly 20130 in a locked position prior to installation of a staplecartridge within the end effector. As can be seen in FIG. 7 , the fins20134 are aligned with the channel tabs 20144 of the channel 20110 sothat if the clinician were to actuate the rotary drive shaft 20120 in aneffort to drive the firing assembly distally through the channel 20110,the firing assembly 20130 would be prevented from moving distally due tothe contact between the fins 20134 and the channel tabs 20114. Thedistance that the rotary drive shaft 20120 as well as the firingassembly 20130 may deflect downwardly is represented as distance D_(f)in FIG. 7 .

In the illustrated example, a firing assembly engagement notch 20216 isprovided in the sled body 20212 that is configured to engage acorresponding engagement notch 20137 in the upper body portion 20136 ofthe firing assembly 20130. As the firing assembly engagement notch 20216of the sled 20210 initially engages the engagement notch 20137 in theupper body portion 20136 of the firing assembly 20130, the sled 20120biases or deflects the firing assembly 20130 and end effector rotarydrive shaft 20120 downward into the channel 20110 (represented by arrows“D” in FIG. 8 ). Such movement aligns the fins 20134 of the firingassembly 20130 with the passage 20112 in the channel 20110. The surgicalstaple cartridge 20220 may be configured to be snapped into the channel20100 and retained therein in a properly installed orientation. FIGS. 5and 8 illustrate the rotary drive shaft 20120 in the “drive position” or“second position” wherein the firing assembly 20130 is verticallyaligned with the channel 20110 so as to permit the firing assembly 20130to be distally driven through the staple cartridge 20200 when the rotarydrive shaft 20120 is rotated in a firing direction.

FIG. 6 illustrates installation of a spent or partially spent staplecartridge 20200′ into the surgical end effector 20100. As can be seen inFIG. 6 , the sled 20210 has been distally moved from the startingposition within the staple cartridge 20200′. Thus, when the staplecartridge 20200′ is properly installed within the channel 20110, thesled 20210 and, more particularly, the firing assembly engagement notch20126 in the sled 20210 is out of engagement with the engagement notch20137 in the firing assembly 20130. Thus, the firing assembly 20130remains in the first or locked position. Thus, if the clinician were tounwittingly actuate the rotary end effector drive shaft 20120, thefiring assembly 20130 would not be distally advanced into the cartridge20200′.

FIGS. 9-14 illustrate portions of another lockable firing assembly 20300that is prevented from being advanced distally unless an unspentsurgical staple cartridge has been properly seated within the endeffector channel 20400. FIG. 9 illustrates the threaded nut portion20302 of the firing assembly 20300 that is threadably journaled on arotary end effector drive shaft in the manner described herein. Therotary end effector drive shaft has been omitted for clarity in FIGS.9-14 . In the illustrated embodiment a locking lug 20304 and an actuatorlug 20306 protrude laterally from the threaded nut portion 20302.Although not shown, the firing assembly 20300 includes an upper firingbody with a tissue cutting edge that may be similar to those disclosedherein. FIGS. 10-14 , illustrate the threaded nut portion 20302 inconnection with the channel 20400. It will be understood that thechannel 20400 is configured to operably and removably support a surgicalstaple cartridge therein. Turning first to FIG. 10 , the channel 20400includes a centrally disposed, longitudinal slot 20402 that isconfigured to operably support the rotary end effector drive shaft aswell as to permit longitudinal travel of the threaded nut 20302 throughthe channel 20400. In addition, a first longitudinal ledge 20404 and asecond longitudinal ledge 20406 are provided on each side of thelongitudinal slot 20402. The ledges 20404, 20406 serve to define alongitudinal passage 20408 that permits passage of the lugs 20304 and20306 therein when the firing assembly 20300 is distally fired throughthe channel 20400. In addition, the channel 20400 includes alongitudinal cavity 20410 for receiving the cartridge body therein. Itwill be understood that the cartridge body may be configured to besnappingly and removably retained within the cavity 20410.

In the illustrated embodiment, a locking notch 20412 is provided in theledge 20404. The locking notch 20412 is sized to receive at least aportion of the locking lug 20304 therein when the firing assembly 20300is in a first or beginning position prior to firing. A lock spring orbiasing member 20414 is provided on the ledge 20406 and is configured toengage and bias the actuator lug 20306 in the locking direction “L”.Such rotation of the actuator lug 20306 causes the locking lug 20304 toenter into the locking notch 20412. When in that position, the firingassembly 20300 cannot be advanced distally when the rotary end effectordrive shaft is rotated in a firing direction.

FIG. 12 illustrates the position of the threaded nut portion 20302 ofthe firing assembly 20300 when the firing assembly has been moved to asecond or unlocked position. FIG. 13 illustrates what happens when asurgical staple cartridge is initially introduced into the channel20400. In FIGS. 13 and 14 , the cartridge body has been omitted forclarity. However, it will be understood that the surgical staplecartridge includes a sled 20500. The sled 20500 is movable from thestarting position located in the proximal end of the staple cartridge toan ending position within the cartridge. As can be seen in FIGS. 13 and14 , the sled 20500 includes a central sled body 20502 that has acollection of cam wedges 20504 formed therein. In the illustratedexample, the sled 20500 includes four cam wedges 20504 with two camwedges 20504 being located on each side of the central sled body 20502.Each cam wedge 20504 corresponds to a line of staple supporting driverslocated in the cartridge 20500. As the sled 20500 is driven distallythrough the cartridge, the cam wedges 20504 sequentially drive thestaple drivers in the corresponding line upward within the cartridge tothereby eject the staples into forming contact with the underside of theanvil.

Still referring to FIG. 13 , the sled 20500 is configured to contact theactuator lug 20306 when the cartridge is properly installed within thechannel 20400 and the sled is in the starting position. In theillustrated embodiment for example, a downwardly extending actuatormember 20506 is formed on or otherwise attached to the sled 20500. Whenthe cartridge is installed in the channel 20400, the actuator member20506 on the sled 20500 contacts the actuator lug 20306 and biases thefiring assembly in the unlocking direction “UL” (FIG. 13 ) to theposition shown in FIG. 14 . As can be seen in FIG. 14 , the locking lug20304 is out of the locking notch 20412 and the firing assembly 20300can now be longitudinally advanced through the channel and the staplecartridge. Thus, such arrangement will prevent the clinician fromunwittingly advancing the firing assembly unless a cartridge with a sledin the starting position has been properly installed in the channel. Asused in this context, the term “properly installed” means that thestaple cartridge has been retainingly seated into the channel in theintended manner so as to permit the sled and other portions thereof tointeract with the firing assembly in the manners described herein.

FIGS. 15-17 illustrate portions of an end effector 20500 that isconfigured to cut and staple tissue. The end effector 20500 comprises anelongate channel 20510 that is configured to operably support a surgicalstaple cartridge 20600 therein. The end effector includes an anvilassembly 20700 that operably supports an anvil concentric drive member20710 for operably driving a firing member 20720 through the endeffector 20500. The anvil concentric drive member 20710 may, forexample, be centrally disposed within the anvil frame 20712 andsubstantially extend the length thereof. The anvil concentric drivemember 20710 in the illustrated embodiment comprises an anvil driveshaft that includes a distal bearing lug 20714 and a proximal bearinglug 20716. The distal bearing lug 20714 is rotatably housed in a distalbearing housing 20718 that is supported in a bearing pocket in the anvilframe 20712. The proximal bearing lug 20716 is rotatably supported inthe anvil assembly 20700 by a floating bearing housing 20720 that ismovably supported in a bearing pocket 20722 that is formed in theproximal anvil portion 20724. See FIG. 16 . The proximal and distalbearing housing arrangements may serve to prevent or at least minimizean occurrence of compressive forces on the anvil drive shaft 20710 whichmight otherwise cause the anvil drive shaft 20710 to buckle under highforce conditions. The anvil drive shaft 20710 further includes a drivenfiring gear 20726, a proximal threaded or helix section 20728 and adistal threaded or helix section 20730. In the illustrated arrangement,the proximal threaded section 20728 has a first length and the distalthreaded section 20730 has a distal length that is greater than thefirst length. In the illustrated arrangement, the pitch of the distalthreaded section 20730 is greater than the pitch of the proximalthreaded section 20728. Stated another way, the lead of the distalthreaded section 20730 is greater than the lead of the proximal threadedsection 20728. In one arrangement, the lead of the distal threadedsection 20730 may be approximately twice as large as the lead of theproximal threaded section 20728. In addition, a dead space 20731 may beprovided between the proximal threaded section 20728 and the distalthreaded section 20730. In at least one example, the anvil drive shaft20710 may be fabricated in one piece from extruded gear stock.

To facilitate assembly of the various anvil components, the anvilassembly 20700 includes an anvil cap 20740 that may be attached to theanvil frame 20712 by welding, snap features, etc. In addition, the anvilassembly 20700 includes a pair of anvil plates or staple forming plates20742 that may contain various patterns of staple forming pockets on thebottom surfaces thereof that correspond to the staple arrangements inthe surgical staple cartridge 20600 that is supported in the elongatechannel 20510. The staple forming plates 20742 may be made of a metal orsimilar material and be welded to or otherwise attached to the anvilframe 20712. In other arrangements, a single anvil plate that has a slottherein to accommodate a firing member may also be employed. Such anvilplate or combination of plates may serve to improve the overallstiffness of the anvil assembly. The anvil plate(s) may be flat and havethe staple forming pockets “coined” therein, for example.

As can be seen in FIGS. 15 and 18-20 , the surgical end effector 20500includes a firing member 20800 that has a body portion 20802 that has aknife nut portion 20804 formed thereon or otherwise attached thereto.The knife nut portion 20804 is configured to be received on the anvildrive shaft 20710. A distal thread nodule 20806 and a proximal threadnodule 20808 that are configured to engage the proximal threaded section20728 and the distal threaded section 20730 are formed in the knife nutportion 20804. The distal thread nodule 20806 is spaced from theproximal thread nodule 20808 relative to the length of the dead space20731 such that when the knife nut portion 20804 spans across the deadspace 20731, the distal thread nodule 20806 is in threaded engagementwith the distal threaded section 20730 and the proximal thread nodule20808 is in threaded engagement with the proximal threaded section20728. In addition, anvil engaging tabs 20810 protrude laterally fromopposite lateral portions of the knife nut 20804 and are each orientedto engage the corresponding staple forming plates 20742 that areattached to the anvil frame 20712. The firing member 20800 furtherincludes a channel engaging tab 20820 that protrudes from each lateralside of the body portion 20800 The firing member 20800 also includes atissue cutting surface 20822.

Rotation of the anvil drive shaft 20710 in a first rotary direction willresult in the axial movement of the firing member 20800 from a firstposition to a second position. Similarly, rotation of the anvil driveshaft 20710 in a second rotary direction will result in the axialretraction of the firing member 20800 from the second position back tothe first position. The anvil drive shaft 20710 ultimately obtainsrotary motion from a proximal drive shaft (not shown) that operablyinterfaces with a distal power shaft 20830. In the illustratedarrangement, the distal power shaft 20830 has a distal drive gear 20832that is configured for meshing engagement with the driven firing gear20726 on the anvil drive shaft 20710 when the anvil assembly 20710 is inthe closed position. The anvil drive shaft 20710 is said to be “separateand distinct” from the distal power shaft 20830. That is, at least inthe illustrated arrangement for example, the anvil drive shaft 20710 isnot coaxially aligned with the distal power shaft 20830 and does notform a part of the distal power shaft 20830. In addition, the anvildrive shaft 20710 is movable relative to the distal power shaft 20830,for example, when the anvil assembly 20700 is moved between open andclosed positions. The proximal drive shaft may ultimately be rotated bya motor supported in a housing that is attached to a shaft assemblycoupled to the surgical end effector 20500. The housing may comprise ahandheld assembly or a portion of a robotically controlled system.

In the illustrated arrangement, the anvil assembly 20700 is closed bydistally advancing a closure tube 20900. As can be seen in FIG. 15 , theclosure tube 20900 includes an internally threaded closure nut 20902that is configured for threaded engagement with a closure thread segment20834 that is formed on the distal power shaft 20830. Initial rotationof the distal power shaft 20830 will drive the closure tube 20900distally to cam the anvil assembly 20700 to the closed position.Rotation of the distal power shaft 20830 in an opposite direction willdrive the closure tube 20900 in the proximal direction to permit theanvil assembly 20700 to move to an open position.

Turning to FIGS. 18-20 , the channel includes a pair of inwardlyextending, longitudinal retention tabs 20512 that have a slot space20514 therebetween to accommodate the longitudinal movement of thefiring member 20800. In addition, the channel 20510 includes a proximallocking cavity 20516 that is proximal to the retention tabs 20512. Thelocking cavity 20516 transitions to a distal firing cavity that iscoextensive with the tabs 20512 and the space 20514 therebetween. Thelocking cavity 20516 is larger than the distal firing cavity to permitthe firing member 20800 to pivot to the position shown in FIG. 18 . Whenin that position, the firing member body 20802 is out of alignment withthe slot space and the tabs 20820 are out of alignment with the distalfiring cavity 20518. When in that position, one of the tabs 20820 thatprotrude from the firing member 20800 is in alignment with one of theretention tabs 20512 and thus the firing member 20800 is prevented frombeing longitudinally advanced through the channel 20510. The firingmember 20800 will pivot to that “locked” position when the anvil driveshaft 20710 is initially rotated and a surgical staple cartridge with asled in a starting position has not been installed in the channel 20510.However, when a cartridge that has a sled in a starting position hasbeen installed in the channel 20510, the sled will serve to contact orotherwise interface with the firing member 20800 to position and retainthe firing member 20800 in alignment with the space 20514 between theretention tabs 20512. See FIG. 19 . Thus, continued rotation of theanvil drive shaft 20710 will drive the firing member 20800 distallythrough the channel 20510 as shown in FIG. 20 . Such arrangement willtherefore, prevent the clinician from unwittingly actuating the anvildrive shaft 20710 to drive the firing member 20800 distally through thechannel 20510 unless an unspent surgical staple cartridge that has asled in a starting position has been installed in the channel.

In still other arrangements, the detection of the sled in the correctlocation within an unspent staple cartridge that has been properlyseated in the channel of a surgical cutting and stapling end effectormay be determined electrically. For example, this may be accomplishedwith contacts on the sled that complete a circuit when the sled is in astarting position in a cartridge that has been properly seated in thechannel. Upon firing, the circuit is opened and further firing is notpermitted until the circuit is closed again.

As mentioned above, stapling assemblies for first grasping, clamping,stapling, and/or cutting tissue are well known in the art. Previousstapling assemblies, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,361,for example, have comprised a loading unit that is operably connected toa handle assembly. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,361, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING APPARATUS, which issued on Feb. 2, 1999, isincorporated by reference in its entirety. While the handle assembliesof these previous stapling assemblies were configured for multiple uses,the loading units were configured for a single use. After each loadingunit was spent, or at least partially spent, the loading unit wasremoved from the handle assembly and then replaced with a new, orunspent, loading unit if desired. The configuration of these previousloading units did not permit a cartridge portion of the loading unit tobe replaced so that a spent loading unit could be used once again.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0286021 discloses analternative stapling assembly comprising a first jaw including an anviland a second jaw including a staple cartridge. The entire disclosure ofU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0286021, entitledREPLACEABLE STAPLE CARTRIDGE, which published on Nov. 15, 2012, isincorporated by reference herein. Unlike the previous loading units, thesecond jaw of these stapling assemblies can be completely removed fromthe loading unit and then replaced with another second jaw, presumablyafter the previous second jaw has been spent. Notably, the entire secondjaw of these stapling assemblies is replaced—not just a portion of thesecond jaw as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,649, entitled SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT HAVING A SPENT CARTRIDGE LOCKOUT, which issued onJan. 24, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein.

The stapling assembly disclosed in U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2012/0286021, however, is defective. For instance, the staplingassembly disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2012/0286021 includes a cutting member which can be advanced distallyeven though a second jaw is not attached to the stapling assembly. As aresult, the cutting member may be unintentionally exposed to the tissueof a patient. Various improvements to these stapling assemblies, amongothers, are discussed further below.

Turning now to FIG. 21 , a surgical instrument system 21000 comprises ahandle 21010 and a stapling assembly, or loading unit, 21030 attached toa shaft 21020 of the handle 21010. Referring primarily to FIG. 22 , theloading unit 21030 comprises a proximal end, or bayonet connector, 21032configured to releasably attach the loading unit 21030 to the shaft21020. Similar to the stapling assembly disclosed in U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2012/0286021, the loading unit 21030comprises an anvil 21040 and an attachable cartridge jaw 21050. Thecartridge jaw 21050, once attached to the loading unit 21030, ispivotable between an open position (FIG. 21 ) and a closed, or clamped,position.

The handle 21010 comprises an actuator, or trigger, 21014 which isrotatable toward a pistol grip 21012 of the handle 21010 to drive afiring bar of the loading unit 21030 distally. During a first stroke ofthe trigger 21014, the firing bar engages the cartridge jaw 21050 andmoves the cartridge jaw 21050 into its closed position. During one ormore subsequent strokes of the trigger 21014, the firing bar is advancedthrough the cartridge jaw 21050. The cartridge jaw 21050 comprises aplurality of staples removably stored therein which are ejected from thecartridge jaw 21050 as the firing bar is advanced distally through thecartridge jaw 21050. More particularly, as discussed in greater detailelsewhere herein, the firing bar enters into the cartridge jaw 21050 andpushes a sled stored in the cartridge jaw 21060 distally which, in turn,drives the staples out of the cartridge jaw 21050.

Referring primarily to FIG. 22 , the loading unit 21030 furthercomprises an articulation joint 21036 about which the anvil 21040 andthe cartridge jaw 21050 can be articulated. The loading unit 21030comprises an articulation driver configured to articulate the anvil21040 and the cartridge jaw 21050 about the articulation joint 21036.The articulation driver is operably coupled with an articulationactuator 21016 which is rotatable to push or pull the articulationdriver, depending on the direction in which the articulation actuator21016 is rotated.

An alternative surgical instrument system 21100 is illustrated in FIGS.23 and 24 . The system 21100 comprises a handle 21110 and an attachableloading unit 21130. Similar to the above, the loading unit 21130comprises an anvil jaw 21040 and a removably attached cartridge jaw21050. The loading unit 21130 further comprises an articulation joint21138 and a flex joint 21136 which are configured to permit the endeffector to articulate relative to a shaft portion 21120 of the loadingunit 21130. The shaft portion 21120 comprises a proximal connector 21122configured to attach the loading unit 21130 to the handle 21110.Referring primarily to FIG. 25 , the proximal connector 21122 comprisesrotatable inputs 21128 which are operably engageable with rotatableoutputs 21118 of the handle 21110. Each rotatable input 21128 is part ofa drive system which articulates the loading unit 21130 about the flexjoint 21136 and/or articulation joint 21128, closes the cartridge jaw21050, and/or fires the staples from the cartridge jaw 21050, forexample. The handle 21110 comprises controls 21114 and 21116 which canbe utilized to operate the drive systems of the loading unit 21130. Thedisclosure of U.S. Patent Application Publication 2013/0282052, entitledAPPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES, which published on Oct. 24, 2013,is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Further to the above, the staple cartridge jaw 21050 is removablyattached to the anvil jaw 21040 of the loading unit 21030. Referringprimarily to FIGS. 26 and 27 , the proximal end of the anvil jaw 21040comprises attachment projections 21042 extending from opposite sidesthereof. The proximal end of the staple cartridge jaw 21050 comprisesrecesses 21052 defined therein which are configured to receive theattachment projections 21042. The anvil jaw 21040 is fixedly attached tothe frame of the loading unit 21030 and the attachment projections 21042extend fixedly from the anvil jaw 21040. In at least one instance, theanvil jaw 21040 and/or the attachment projections 21042 are integrallyformed with the frame of the anvil portion 21030.

The staple cartridge jaw 21050 further comprises clips 21056 configuredto engage and grasp the attachment projections 21042. Each clip 21056 ispositioned within a slot 21055 defined in the cartridge jaw 21050. Whenthe cartridge jaw 21050 is attached to the loading unit 21030, the clips21056 flex around the attachment projections 21042. When the cartridgejaw 21050 is fully attached to the loading unit 21030, the clips 21056resiliently snap or return toward their unflexed configuration and holdthe attachment projections 21042 in the recesses 21052.

Further to the above, the cartridge jaw 21050 is properly attached tothe loading unit 21030 when the clips 21056 are engaged with theattachment projections 21042 and the attachment projections 21042 arefully seated in the recesses 21052. That said, the loading unit 21030does not include a sensing system configured to detect whether or notthe cartridge jaw 21050 is properly attached to the loading unit 21030.Turning now to FIGS. 28-32 , a loading unit 21130 comprises a systemconfigured to detect whether or not a staple cartridge jaw 21150 isproperly attached to an anvil jaw 21140 of the loading unit 21130, asdescribed in greater detail below.

The loading unit 21130 comprises an electrical circuit that iscompleted, or closed, when the staple cartridge jaw 21150 is properlyattached to the loading unit 21130. The electrical circuit is incommunication with a microprocessor, or controller, of the surgicalinstrument system. The controller is in the handle of the surgicalinstrument system; however, the controller can be in any suitable partof the surgical instrument system, such as the loading unit 21130, forexample. Alternatively, the controller can be in a housing of a surgicalinstrument assembly that is attached to a robotic surgical system and/orin the robotic surgical system itself. In any event, the controller isin communication with an electric motor which drives the staple firingsystem of the surgical instrument system.

When the controller detects that a staple cartridge is not properlyattached to the loading unit 21130, further to the above, the controllercan prevent the electric motor from driving the staple firing systemthrough a staple firing stroke. In at least one such instance, thecontroller can open a switch between a power source, such as a battery,for example, and the electric motor to prevent electrical power frombeing supplied to the electric motor. When the controller detects that astaple cartridge 21150 is properly attached to the loading unit 21130,the controller can permit the electric motor to receive power from thebattery and drive the staple firing system through a staple firingstroke when actuated by the user of the surgical instrument system. Inat least one such instance, the controller can close the switch betweenthe battery and the electric motor, for example.

The electrical circuit of the loading unit 21130 comprises conductors21147 (FIGS. 30 and 32 ) extending through a shaft portion of theloading unit 21130 and, in addition, a contact 21146 positioned aroundeach of the attachment projections 21142. Each of the conductors 21147is electrically coupled to the microprocessor and a contact 21146. Thestaple cartridge 21150 comprises a portion of the electrical circuitwhich completes the electrical circuit when the staple cartridge 21150is fully engaged with the attachment projections 21142. The portion ofthe electrical circuit in the staple cartridge 21150, referring to FIG.31 , comprises a contact 21159 positioned in each of the recesses 21052and a conductor, or trace, 21157 extending between and electricallycoupled with the contacts 21159. The clips 21056 are configured to holdthe contacts 21159 of the staple cartridge jaw 21150 against thecontacts 21146 extending around the attachment portions 21142. In atleast one instance, the clips 21056 are comprised of a conductivematerial and are in communication with the trace 21157. In suchinstances, the clips 21056 are part of the electrical circuit in thestaple cartridge 21150. In any event, when the staple cartridge jaw21150 is detached from the loading unit 21130, the electrical circuit isbroken, or opened, and the microprocessor can detect that a staplecartridge jaw 21150 is no longer attached to the loading unit 21130.

Further to the above, the controller can determine that a staplecartridge jaw 21150 is improperly attached to the loading unit 21130 ifonly one of the contacts 21159 is engaged with its respective contact21146. In such instances, the electrical circuit would be in an opencondition and, as a result, the microprocessor would treat an improperlyassembled staple cartridge jaw 21150 as a missing cartridge jaw 21150and prevent the electric motor from being actuated to perform the staplefiring stroke. In various instances, the surgical instrument system caninclude an indicator light and/or feedback system that communicates tothe user of the surgical instrument system that the staple cartridge jawdetection circuit has not been closed. In response thereto, the user caninvestigate the condition and properly seat the staple cartridge jaw21150 to close the detection circuit.

As illustrated in FIG. 31 , the conductor 21157 extends laterally acrossthe cartridge jaw 21150. When a firing member is advanced distallythrough the cartridge jaw 21150, the firing member can transect and/orbreak the conductor 21157 and open the jaw detection circuit. At suchpoint, the controller can permit the electric motor to be operated toadvance the firing member distally until the firing member is retractedback to its unfired position. After the firing member has been retractedto its unfired position, the controller can then prevent there-operation of the electric motor until an unspent cartridge jaw 21150is properly attached to the loading unit 21130. As a result, theelectrical circuit of the loading unit 21130 can serve as a missingcartridge lockout, an improperly attached cartridge lockout, and a spentcartridge lockout.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, the sled 21170 can comprise aconductive portion which electrically connects the lateral jaw contacts21159 and/or the electrically conductive clips 21056 when the sled 21170is in its unfired position. In at least one instance, the sled 21170comprises a conductor and/or trace extending from one lateral side ofthe sled 21170 to the other. When the sled 21170 is advanced distally,the conductive portion of the sled 21170 is no longer in electricalcommunication with the contacts 21159 and/or clips 21056 and the jawdetection circuit is opened. To the extent that the jaw assembly alsocomprises the conductor 21157, the conductor 21157 can be cut or brokento open the jaw detection circuit as described above. In variousinstances, the sled 21170 can be displaced from the jaw detectioncircuit at the same time that the conductor 21157 is cut or broken, forexample. In any event, the conductive sled 21170 can provide a spentcartridge lockout.

In various alternative embodiments, the electrical circuit lockout ofthe loading unit is not transected when the firing member is advanceddistally. Turning now to FIG. 34 , a staple cartridge jaw 21250 of aloading unit 21230 comprises a cartridge body 21251, a plurality ofstaple cavities 21258 defined in the cartridge body 21251, and alongitudinal slot 21259 defined in the cartridge body 21251 which isconfigured to receive a portion of the firing member. Similar to thestaple cartridge jaw 21150, the staple cartridge jaw 21250 comprises aportion of the loading unit electrical circuit. The portion of theelectrical circuit in the staple cartridge jaw 21250 compriseselectrical contacts, such as contacts 21159, for example, defined in therecesses 21052 and compliant electrical contacts 21257 disposed onopposite sides of the longitudinal slot 21251. Each compliant contact21257 is in electrical communication with a contact 21052 via aconductor, or trace, for example, extending through the cartridge body21251.

The compliant contacts 21257 are configured to engage an anvil jaw 21240of the loading unit 21230 when the staple cartridge jaw 21250 isassembled to the loading unit 21250. More specifically, the compliantcontacts 21257 engage a conductive pathway 21247 defined in the anviljaw 21240 which electrically connects the compliant contacts 21257 and,at such point, the electrical circuit has been closed. The compliantcontacts 21257 remain constantly engaged with the conductive pathway21247, i.e., when the cartridge jaw 21250 is in an open position, whenthe cartridge jaw 21250 is in a closed position, and when the cartridgejaw 21250 is moved between its open and closed positions. When thefiring member is advanced distally, the firing member passes through agap defined between the contacts 21257 and, as a result, the electricaljaw detection circuit is not transected. Such an arrangement can providea missing cartridge jaw lockout and/or an improperly attached cartridgejaw lockout.

Further to the above, the compliant contacts 21257 can comprise springsconfigured to bias the staple cartridge jaw 21250 into an open position.When the staple cartridge jaw 21250 is moved into its closed position,the compliant contacts 21257 are compressed between the staple cartridgejaw 21250 and the anvil 21240. The compliant contacts 21257, along withthe other portions of the electrical jaw detection circuit, areelectrically insulated from the metal, or conductive, portions of thestapling assembly so as to maintain the integrity of the jaw detectioncircuit and prevent the jaw detection circuit from shorting out.

In addition to or in lieu of an electrical or electronic lockout such asthe lockout described above, for example, a loading unit can include amechanical lockout that prevents the firing system from performing astaple firing stroke if a staple cartridge jaw is not properly attachedto the loading unit. Turning now to FIG. 33 , the staple cartridge jaw21150 comprises a sled 21170 which is pushed distally by the firingmember 21160 (FIG. 30 ) when the firing member 21160 is advanceddistally during a staple firing stroke. The staple cartridge jaw 21150further comprises lockout members 21172 which are pivotably engaged withthe cartridge body 21151 of the cartridge jaw 21150. As described inU.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0286021, the lockoutmembers 21172 are biased inwardly into a locked out position after thesled 21170 has been at least partially advanced distally during a firingstroke which prevent the cartridge jaw 21150 from being re-fired.

Although the lockout members 21172 can block the distal advancement ofthe firing member 21160, as discussed above, the firing member 21160 maybe able to push through and slide between the lockout members 21172 incertain instances. As an improvement, one or both of the lockout members21172 can comprise a latch or hook extending inwardly toward the firingmember 21160. When the lockout members 21172 are biased inwardly afterthe sled 21170 has been advanced distally, the latches or hooks canengage apertures defined in the firing member 21160 when the firingmember 21160 is retracted back into its unfired position. Once thelatches or hooks are positioned in the firing member apertures, they canprevent the firing member 21160 from being advanced distally through thealready spent cartridge. At such point, the staple cartridge would haveto be replaced to unlock the firing member 21160.

As described above, an attachable staple cartridge jaw can be movedbetween open and closed positions to clamp tissue therebetween. Otherembodiments are envisioned in which the staple cartridge jaw isremovably attachable to a stapling instrument but the anvil jaw ismovable between open and closed positions. Turning now to FIGS. 35-38 ,a stapling assembly 21530 comprises an attachable staple cartridge jaw21550 including a cartridge body 21551 and, in addition, a pivotableanvil jaw 21540. The stapling assembly 21530 further comprises a firingmember, such as firing member 21160, for example, which is movabledistally to engage the anvil jaw 21540 and move the anvil jaw 21540 intoa closed position. More specifically, the firing member 21160 comprisesa first camming member 21162 configured to engage the cartridge jaw21550 and a second camming member 21164 configured to engage the anviljaw 21540 and move the anvil jaw 21540 toward the cartridge jaw 21550.

The stapling assembly 21530 further comprises a mechanical lockout21572. The lockout 21572 is mounted to a frame of the stapling assembly21530 at a frame pivot 21232. The lockout 21572 extends distally and issupported by a frame pin 21533. The lockout 21572 comprises a metalwire; however, the lockout 21572 can be comprised of any suitablematerial. The lockout 21572 further comprises an elongated recess track21576 defined therein which is configured to receive a lockout pin 21166extending from the firing member 21160. Referring primarily to FIG. 35 ,the elongated recess track 21276 constrains or limits the longitudinaldisplacement of the firing member 21160 when the lockout 21572 is in itslocked position. More specifically, the recess track 21576 is configuredto permit the firing member 21160 to be advanced distally to move theanvil jaw 21540 between its open and closed positions but prevent thefiring member 21160 from being advanced distally to perform a firingstroke unless the lockout 21572 is moved into its unlocked position, asdiscussed below.

When the staple cartridge jaw 21550 is attached to the stapling assembly21530, as illustrated in FIG. 36 , the sled 21270 of the cartridge jaw21550 contacts a distal arm 21574 of the lockout 21572 and deflects thelockout 21572 downwardly into its unlocked position. At such point, thelockout 21572 has been displaced below the lockout pin 21166 of thefiring member 21160 and, as a result, the firing member 21160 can beadvanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke, as illustrated inFIG. 37 . During the staple firing stroke, the firing member 21160pushes the sled 21270 distally off of the lockout arm 21574 and thelockout 21572 can return back to its unflexed, or locked, configuration.When the firing member 21160 is retracted, as illustrated in FIG. 38 ,the lockout pin 21166 can engage the lockout 21572 and flex the lockout21572 downwardly to permit the firing member 21160 to return to itsunfired position. Notably, the sled 21270 is not retracted with thefiring member 21160 and, as a result, cannot re-unlock the lockout 21572even though the firing member 21160 has been retracted. As a result ofthe above, the lockout 21572 can serve as a missing cartridge lockoutand a spent cartridge lockout.

Turning now to FIGS. 39-43 , a stapling assembly 21330 comprises anattachable staple cartridge jaw 21350 including a cartridge body 21351and, in addition, an anvil jaw 21340. The stapling assembly 21330further comprises a firing member, such as firing member 21160, forexample, which is movable distally to engage the anvil jaw 21340 and thecartridge jaw 21350. More specifically, the firing member 21160comprises a first camming member 21162 configured to engage thecartridge jaw 21350 and a second camming member 21164 configured toengage the anvil jaw 21340 which close the jaws 21340 and 21350 when thefiring member 21160 is advanced distally.

The stapling assembly 21330 further comprises a mechanical lockout21372. The lockout 21372 is mounted to a frame of the stapling assembly21330 at a frame pivot 21232. The lockout 21372 extends distally and isconstrained by a frame pin 21333. The lockout 21372 comprises a metalwire; however, the lockout 21372 can be comprised of any suitablematerial. The lockout 21372 further comprises an elongate recess track21376 defined therein which is configured to receive the lockout pin21166 extending from the firing member 21160. Referring primarily toFIG. 39 , the elongate recess track 21376 constrains or limits thelongitudinal displacement of the firing member 21160 when the lockout21372 is in its locked position. More specifically, the recess track21376 is configured to permit the firing member 21160 to be advanceddistally to close the stapling assembly 21330 but prevent the firingmember 21160 from being advanced distally to perform a firing stroke.

When the staple cartridge jaw 21550 is attached to the stapling assembly21530, as illustrated in FIG. 40 , the sled 21370 of the cartridge jaw21350 contacts distal arms 21374 of the lockout 21372 and deflects thelockout 21372 upwardly into an unlocked position. At such point, thelockout 21372 has been displaced above the lockout pin 21166 of thefiring member 21160 and, as a result, the firing member 21160 can beadvanced distally to perform a staple firing stroke, as illustrated inFIG. 41 . During the staple firing stroke, the firing member 21160pushes the sled 21370 distally out from under the lockout arms 21374 andthe lockout 21372 can return back to its unflexed, or locked,configuration. When the firing member 21160 is retracted, as illustratedin FIG. 42 , the lockout pin 21166 can engage the lockout 21372 and flexthe lockout 21372 upwardly to permit the firing member 21160 to returnto its unfired position. Notably, the sled 21370 does not return withthe firing member 21160. As a result of the above, the lockout 21372 canserve as a missing cartridge lockout and a spent cartridge lockout.

Referring to FIG. 43 , the arms 21374 of the lockout 21372 are laterallyspaced apart on opposite sides of the longitudinal slot 21359 such thatthe firing member 21160 can slide between the arms 21374. In suchinstances, the arms are not transected by the firing member 21160.

During a surgical procedure, several loading units can be used with ahandle of a surgical stapling system. In at least one instance, a firstloading unit can be used which is configured to apply a 30 mm stapleline, a second loading unit can be used which is configured to apply a45 mm staple line, and a third loading unit can be used which isconfigured to apply a 60 mm staple line, for example. In the event thateach of these loading units comprises a replaceable cartridge jaw, it ispossible that the wrong staple cartridge jaw can be attached to aloading unit. For instance, a clinician may attempt to attach a 60 mmstaple cartridge jaw to a loading unit configured to apply a 30 mmstaple line. As a result, it is possible that some of the staplesejected from the 60 mm staple cartridge jaw may not be deformed by theanvil and/or that the tissue incision line may be longer than the staplelines. The stapling assemblies and/or loading units disclosed herein caninclude means for preventing the wrong staple cartridge jaw from beingattached thereto, as discussed in greater detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 44 and 46 , further to the above, the recesses 21052defined in the cartridge jaw 21250 are configured to closely receive theattachment projections 21142 of the loading unit 21130 such that thereis a snug fit therebetween. The attachment projections 21242′ (FIG. 45 )of a second loading unit 21130′, in at least one instance, are smallerthan the attachment projections 21142 and, correspondingly, the recessesof a second cartridge jaw for use with the second loading unit 21130′are smaller than the recesses 21052. In order to provide a form of errorproofing, the recesses of the second cartridge jaw are too small toreceive the attachment projections 21142 of the loading unit 21130 and,as a result, the second cartridge jaw cannot be attached to the loadingunit 21130. Similarly, turning now to FIG. 45 , the recesses 21052 ofthe cartridge jaw 21250 are larger than the attachment projections21242′ of the second loading unit 21130′ such that the clips 21056 ofthe cartridge jaw 21250 cannot hold the attachment projections 21242′ inthe recesses 21052 and, as a result, cannot hold the cartridge jaw 21250to the loading unit 21130′. In such instances, the interconnectionbetween the cartridge jaw 21250 and the loading unit 21130′ would be tooloose for the cartridge jaw 21250 to be used with the loading unit21130′.

In the instances described above, the attachment projections of aloading unit, the recesses of a staple cartridge jaw, and the springclips holding the staple cartridge jaw to the loading unit have the sameconfiguration on both sides of the stapling assembly. In otherinstances, the attachment projection, the recess, and/or the spring clipon one side of the stapling assembly is different than the attachmentprojection, the recess, and/or the spring clip on the other side of thestapling assembly. For example, a large attachment projection, recess,and spring clip are disposed on one side of the stapling assembly whilea smaller attachment projection, recess, and spring clip are disposed onthe other side. Such arrangements can increase the permutationsavailable to prevent an incorrect staple cartridge jaw from beingattached to a loading unit.

In the instances described above, the attachment projections of aloading unit, the recesses of a staple cartridge jaw, and the springclips are aligned with respect to a common lateral axis. In otherinstances, the attachment projection, the recess, and/or the spring clipon one side of the stapling assembly are not aligned with the attachmentprojection, the recess, and/or the spring clip on the other side. Statedanother way, one side is offset from the other. Such arrangements canalso increase the permutations available to prevent an incorrect staplecartridge jaw from being attached to a loading unit.

Further to the above, it is contemplated that a kit of loading units canbe provided wherein each loading unit of the kit can be configured suchthat only a cartridge jaw intended to be used with the loading unit canbe properly attached to the loading unit.

Turning now to FIGS. 47 and 48 , the staple cartridge jaw 21050comprises a proximal shoulder 21058 which is positioned in closeproximity to the frame of the loading unit 21030 when the cartridge jaw21050 is attached to the loading unit 21030. Owing to the snug fitbetween the projections 21042, the recesses 21052, and the clips 21056,the cartridge jaw 21050 is held in position such that the shoulder 21058of the cartridge jaw 21050 does not interfere with the distalprogression of the firing member 21160, for example. More particularly,the shoulder 21058 does not interfere with the first camming member21162 of the firing member 21160. In the event that an incorrect staplecartridge were attached to the cartridge jaw 21050, in certaininstances, the proximal shoulder of the incorrect cartridge jaw mayinterfere with the distal progression of the first camming member and,as a result, prevent the firing member 21160 from performing a firingstroke with the incorrect staple cartridge. Turning now to FIG. 49 , astaple cartridge jaw 21450 is an incorrect staple cartridge jaw for usewith the loading unit 21030. Eventhough the staple cartridge jaw 21450has been attached to the loading unit 21030, the proximal shoulder 21458prevents the firing member 21060 from being advanced distally.

Further to the above, the proximal shoulder of a staple cartridge jawcan comprise a sharp or abrupt corner. In at least one such instance,the proximal shoulder does not comprise a chamfer or lead-in, forexample.

In various instances, a proximal shoulder of a staple cartridge jaw canbe configured to block the distal advancement of a staple firing memberif the tissue clamped between the staple cartridge jaw and an opposinganvil jaw is too thick. In such instances, the staple cartridge jawwould not close completely and the proximal shoulder of the staplecartridge jaw would be positioned in front of the staple firing member.Such an arrangement would comprise a tissue thickness lockout; however,such an arrangement could also serve as a tissue clamping lockout in theevent that the staple cartridge jaw had not yet been moved into itsclamped position.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, an electronic or softwarelockout of a surgical instrument system can be utilized to prevent afiring drive from performing a staple firing stroke in the event that anincorrect staple cartridge jaw is attached to the surgical instrumentsystem. In various instances, as discussed above, a portion of a jawdetection circuit can extend through a staple cartridge jaw and, in atleast one instance, a controller of the surgical instrument system canbe configured to evaluate the portion of the jaw detection circuitextending through the staple cartridge jaw to determine whether thestaple cartridge attached to the surgical instrument system jaw is anappropriate staple cartridge jaw for use with the surgical instrumentsystem. In at least one instance, the clips 21056 of a first staplecartridge jaw have detectably different electrical properties, such asresistance or impedance, for example, than the clips 21056 of a secondstaple cartridge jaw.

Referring again to FIGS. 22, 26, and 28 , a cartridge jaw removal tool21090 can be used to detach a cartridge jaw from a loading unit. U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0286021 discusses a cartridgeremoval tool in greater detail.

It is desirable to employ lockout systems with surgical staplinginstruments having replaceable staple cartridge assemblies. For example,in the event that a user forgets to install a staple cartridge into aninstrument without such a lockout system, the firing member of thesurgical instrument could be used to cut the tissue of a patient withoutstapling it. Such circumstances are undesirable. In yet another example,in the event that a user installs a spent, or partially-spent, staplecartridge into an instrument and without a lockout system, the firingmember of the surgical instrument would, similarly, cut but not staple,or just partially staple, the tissue of a patient. Such circumstancesare also undesirable. As a result, surgical instruments which canautomatically lock out the firing member to prevent the firing memberfrom being advanced within an end effector are desirable.

Turning now to FIGS. 50 and 51 , a surgical instrument system 25100comprising a missing cartridge and spent cartridge lockout system isdepicted. The system 25100 comprises a firing member 25110, a staplecartridge assembly 25120, and an anvil jaw 25130. The firing member25110 comprises a distally-presented cutting portion 25111 configured tocut tissue when advanced through an end effector portion of the surgicalinstrument system 25100. The firing member 25110 is configured to deploya plurality of staples from the staple cartridge assembly 25120 towardthe anvil jaw 25130 by advancing a sled 25121 longitudinally through thestaple cartridge assembly 25120. The sled 25121 is movable from aproximal unfired position to a distal fully-fired position during astaple firing stroke. After the staple firing stroke has been completed,the firing member 25110 is retracted. The sled 25121 does not retractwith the firing member 25110. However, embodiments are envisioned inwhich the sled 25121 is at least partially retracted.

The surgical instrument system 25100 further comprises a lockout member25140. The lockout member 25140 is configured to prevent the firingmember 25110 from being advanced through the staple firing stroke when acartridge is not present in the surgical instrument system 25100 or aspent, or partially spent, cartridge is present in the surgicalinstrument system 25100. The lockout member 25140 comprises a proximalportion 25141 pivotably mounted to a spine pin 25101 of a frame portionof the system 25100. The lockout member 25140 further comprises a lockface, or shoulder, 25142 configured to catch the firing member 25110,and a deflectable portion 25143. The lockout member 25140 is movable, ordeflectable, between a locked position (FIG. 50 ) and an unlockedposition (FIG. 51 ) when a staple cartridge assembly is installed withinthe system 25100. The lockout member 25140 is spring-biased into thelocked position when a staple cartridge assembly is not installed withinthe system 25100, as discussed in greater detail below. The lockoutmember 25140 is also spring-biased into the locked position when aspent, or partially spent, staple cartridge assembly is installed withinthe system 25100, as also discussed in greater detail below.

When the lockout member 25140 is in its locked position as illustratedin FIG. 50 , a firing member pin 25113 mounted on the firing member25110 is configured to abut the lock face 25142 of the lockout member25140 which prevents the firing member 25110 from being advanceddistally. To move the lockout member 25140 from the locked position tothe unlocked position, an unspent, ready-to-fire staple cartridgeassembly must be properly installed within in the system 25100. Morespecifically, the sled 25121 of an unspent, ready-to-fire staplecartridge assembly is in its proximal unfired position and, when such astaple cartridge assembly is installed into the system 25100, the sled25121 deflects, or bends, the deflectable portion 25143 downwardly intoits unlocked position. When the lockout member 25140 is in its unlockedposition referring to FIG. 51 , the firing member pin 25113 is clear toadvance beyond the lock face 25142 thus permitting the firing member25110 to be advanced distally to deploy staples and cut tissue during afiring stroke.

As can be seen in FIGS. 50 and 51 , some longitudinal movement of thefiring member 25110 is permitted when the lockout member 25140 is in itslocked position. This freedom of longitudinal movement when the lockoutmember 25140 is in its locked position allows the firing member 25110 tobe advanced distally to close the jaws of the system 25100 and movedproximally to prevent the jaws to be re-opened Manipulating the jaws ofthe system 25100 may be necessary for loading and/or unloading staplecartridges, for example.

As mentioned above, the sled 25121 does not return with the firingmember 25110 when the firing member 25110 is retracted after the firingstroke. When the firing member 25110 is retracted, the firing member pin25113 deflects, or bends, the deflectable portion 25143 to its unlockedposition permitting the pin 25113 to pass the lock face 25142 and returnto a home position. Once the pin 25113 is retracted past the lock face25142, the lockout member 25140 springs back, or returns, to its lockedposition to prevent a repeat firing with a spent staple cartridgeinstalled within the system 25100. The firing member 25110 can beretracted even further such that the jaws of the system 25100 can thenbe unclamped from the stapled tissue.

Referring now to FIGS. 52-54 , another surgical instrument system 25200is depicted. The system 25200 comprises another type of a missingcartridge and spent cartridge lockout arrangement. The system 25200comprises a firing member 25210 and a staple cartridge assembly 25220.The firing member 25210 comprises a distally-presented cutting portion25211 configured to cut tissue when advanced through the system 25200.The firing member is configured to deploy a plurality of staples fromthe staple cartridge assembly 25220 by advancing a sled 25221longitudinally through the staple cartridge assembly 25220. The sled25221 is movable from a proximal unfired position to a distalfully-fired position during a staple firing stroke. The sled 25221 doesnot retract with the firing member 25210; however, embodiments areenvisioned in which the sled 25221 is at least partially retracted.

The surgical instrument system 25200 further comprises a lockout member25240. The lockout member 25240 is configured to prevent the firingmember 25210 from being advanced through its staple firing stroke when acartridge is not present within the system 25200 or a spent, orpartially spent, cartridge is present within the system 25200. Thelockout member 25240 comprises a first, or proximal, portion 25241rotatably mounted to a first spine pin 25201 of the system 25200. Thespine pin 25201 may extend from a shaft frame, or spine, of the system25200, for example. The lockout member 25240 further comprises a secondportion 25242, a third, or catch, portion 25243, and a fourth, ordistal, portion 25245. The lockout member 25240 is movable between alocked position (FIGS. 52 and 54 ) and an unlocked position (FIG. 53 ).The lockout member 25240 is spring-biased into the locked position whena staple cartridge assembly is not properly installed within the system25200. The lockout member 25240 is also biased into the locked positionwhen a spent, or partially spent, staple cartridge assembly is installedwithin the system 25200.

When the lockout member 25240 is in its locked position as illustratedin FIG. 52 , a firing member pin 25213 mounted on the firing member25210 is configured to abut a lock face, or shoulder, 25244 of thelockout member 25240. As a result of the lock face 25244, distaladvancement of the firing member 25210 is blocked beyond this position.To move the lockout member 25240 from its locked position to itsunlocked position, an unspent, ready-to-fire staple cartridge assemblymust be installed within the system 25200. An unspent, ready-to-firestaple cartridge assembly comprises a sled 25221 in a proximal unfiredposition.

The sled 25221 comprises a magnet 25226 oriented with one of its poles“P1” facing the distal portion 25245 of the lockout member 25240 andanother pole “P2” facing away from the distal portion 25245 of thelockout member 25240. The distal portion 25245 of the lockout member25240 comprises a magnet 25246 disposed thereon. The magnet 25246 isorientated with a pole “P1” facing the like pole “P1” of the sled magnet25226 and another pole “P2” facing away from the sled magnet 25226. Thepole P1 of the magnet 25226 and the pole P1 of the magnet 25246 repeleach other. This relationship creates a levitational effect when thesled 25221 is in its proximal unfired position (FIG. 53 ) which pushes,or repels, the lockout member 25240 upward into its unlocked position,lifting the lock face 25244 away from the pin 25213 of the firing member25210 to permit the pin 25213 to advance beyond the lock face 25142. Thefiring member 25210 can then be advanced distally to deploy staples andcut tissue during a firing stroke.

When the firing member 25210 is retracted after its firing stroke, thepin 25213 is configured to contact an angled face of the distal portion25245 to push the distal portion 25245 and, thus, the lockout member25240 toward its unlocked position permitting the pin 25213 to pass thelock face 25244 when returning to a home position. Once the pin 25213passes the lock face 25244, the lockout member 25240 springs back, orreturns, to its locked position to prevent to prevent the firing strokefrom being repeated with a spent, or partially spent, staple cartridgeinstalled within the system 25100.

Similar to the system 25100 illustrated in FIGS. 50 and 51 , the lockoutmember 25240 is configured to permit the firing member 25210 to movewithin a distance “y” to permit the clamping and unclamping of the jawswhen the firing member 25210 is relied on for the clamping andunclamping functions. The pin 25213 and, thus, the firing member 25210can be moved proximally and distally within the catch portion 25243 ofthe lockout member 25240 even though a staple cartridge is missing fromand/or a spent staple cartridge is positioned within the system 25100.

Another surgical instrument system 25300 is depicted in FIGS. 55-60 .The system 25300 comprises another type of lockout arrangement where thesystem 25300 is configured to be locked out when a cartridge is notinstalled within the system 25300. The system is further configured tobe locked out when a spent, or partially spent, cartridge is installedwithin the system 25300. The system 25300 comprises a firing member25310 and a staple cartridge assembly 25320. The firing member 25310comprises a distally-presented cutting portion 25311 configured to cuttissue when advanced through the system 25300. The firing member 25310is configured to deploy a plurality of staples from the staple cartridgeassembly 25320 by advancing a sled 25330 (FIG. 56 ) longitudinallythrough the staple cartridge assembly 25320. The sled 25330 is movablebetween a proximal unfired position to a distal fully-fired positionduring a firing stroke. In various instances, the sled 25230 does notretract with the firing member 25310; however, embodiments areenvisioned in which the sled 25230 is at least partially retracted.

The surgical instrument system 25300 further comprises a lockout member25340. The lockout member 25340 is configured to prevent the firingmember 25310 from being advanced through a staple firing stroke when acartridge is not present within the system 25300 or a spent, orpartially spent, cartridge is present within the system 25300. Thelockout member 25340 is similar to the lockout members 25140, 25240 inmany respects. Referring to FIGS. 58-60 , the lockout member 25340comprises a first, or proximal, portion 25341 rotatably mounted to afirst spine pin 25301 of the system 25300. Alternatively, the proximalportion 25341 can be fixedly mounted to the spine 25301 of the system25300. The lockout member 25340 further comprises a second portion25342, a third, or catch, portion 25343, and a fourth, or distal,portion 25345. The lockout member 25340 is movable between a lockedposition (FIGS. 58 and 60 ) and an unlocked position (FIG. 59 ). Thelockout member 25340 is spring-biased into its locked position when astaple cartridge assembly is not installed within the system 25300. Thelockout member 25340 is also biased into its locked position when aspent, or partially spent, staple cartridge assembly is installed withinthe system 25300.

The staple cartridge assembly 25320 comprises a sled 25330 and pluralityof drivers 25328 configured to eject a staple upon being driven by theramps 25330A, 25330B, 25330C, and 25330D of the sled 25330 during astaple firing stroke. The staple cartridge assembly 25320 furthercomprises a control member movable between an unspent position and aspent position by the sled 25330 when the sled 25330 is advanceddistally during its staple firing stroke. The control member is in itsunspent position when a staple cartridge 25320 is loaded into thesurgical instrument system 25300 and is configured to move the lockoutmember 25340 from its locked position to its unlocked position when theunspent staple cartridge assembly 25320 is loaded into the surgicalinstrument system 25300. A first configuration of a proximal driver25325 is illustrated in FIGS. 55 and 57 . The proximal driver 25325comprises a driver wedge portion 25326 and a magnetic portion 25327.When the proximal driver 25325 is in its unspent position and the sled25330 is in its unfired position (FIG. 59 ), the driver wedge portion25326 is positioned within a sled notch 25331 and the magnetic portion25327 is in close enough proximity to the distal portion 25327 toattract the distal portion 25327 to move, or lift, the lockout member25340 into its unlocked position.

A similar proximal driver configuration is depicted in FIGS. 59 and 60 .A proximal driver 25325′ comprises a driver wedge portion 25326′ and amagnetic portion 25327′. The wedge portion 25326′ of the proximal driver25325′ is positioned on the side of the proximal driver 25325′. When theproximal driver 25325′ is in its unspent position and the sled 25330 isin its unfired position (FIG. 59 ), the driver wedge portion 25326′ ispositioned within the sled notch 25331 and the magnetic portion 25327′is in close enough proximity to the distal portion 25327′ to attract thedistal portion 25327′ to move the lockout member 25340 into its unlockedposition. When the driver wedge portion 25326′ is positioned within thesled notch 25331, the magnetic portion 25327′ is configured to retainthe lockout member 25340 in its unlocked position. When the sled 25330is advanced distally from its unfired position, the sled 25330 drivesthe proximal driver 25325′ so that the driver wedge portion 25326′ isdriven out of the sled notch 25331. As a result, the magnetic portion25327′ is no longer in close enough proximity to the lockout member25340 to hold the lockout member in its unlocked position and,therefore, the lockout member is spring-biased into its locked position(FIG. 60 ). A datum “D” is defined as a top surface of the sled 25330and, when the bottom of the wedge portion 25326′ is aligned with orabove the datum D, the magnetic relationship between the distal portion25345 and the magnetic portion 25327′ is insufficient to hold thelockout member 25340 in its unlocked position thus releasing the lockoutmember 25340.

Once the lockout member 25340 has been released to its locked position(FIG. 60 ) and the installed cartridge assembly 25320 has been at leastpartially spent (FIG. 60 ), the system 25300 is prevented from re-firingthe same cartridge assembly 25320. When the firing member 25310 isretracted, the lockout pin 25312 rides underneath the distal portion tomove the lockout member 25340 temporarily out of the way until thelockout pin 25312 reaches the catch portion 25343. When the lockout pin25312 reaches the catch portion 25343, the lockout member 25340 springsback, or returns, to its locked position. When in its spent position,the magnetic portion 25327′ does not pull the lockout member 25340 intoits unlocked position. In various instances, the proximal driver 25325′may engage the staple cartridge assembly 25320 in a press-fit mannerwhen the proximal driver 25325′ is moved into its spent position by thesled 25330 to prevent the proximal driver 25325′ from falling toward itsunspent position. Such an arrangement may prevent the lockout member25340 from being falsely unlocked. In addition to a spent cartridgeassembly, not having a cartridge installed within the system 25300 urgesthe lockout member into its locked position. The mere absence of aproximal driver altogether prevents the lockout member 25340 from movingto its unlocked position.

The control members 25325, 25325′ are driven by the sled 25330 and canbe referred to as drivers; however, they do not drive staples. In thisway, the control members 25325, 25325′ comprise “false” drivers. Thatsaid, it is contemplated that the proximal most staple driver of astaple cartridge assembly could be used as a control member.

Another surgical instrument system is depicted in FIGS. 61-63 . Thesystem 25400 comprises a staple cartridge assembly 25410, a lockoutcircuit system 25420, and a lockout member 25430. The lockout member25440 is fixedly attached to a spine portion 25401 of the system 25400.The lockout member 25430 further comprises a spring member, for example,and is biased toward its locked position (FIG. 63 ). When the lockoutmember 25430 is in its locked position, a hook portion 25431 of thelockout member 25430 is configured to catch a firing member in the eventthat the surgical instrument or clinician tries to advance the firingmember beyond the lockout member 25440 without an unspent staplecartridge assembly installed within the system 25400.

To move the lockout member 25440 to its unlocked position so that afiring member can be advanced through the staple cartridge assembly25410 during a staple firing stroke, an electromagnet 25421 is employed.The electromagnet 25421 is disposed on the spine portion 25401 of thesystem 25400 but may be disposed at any suitable location within thesystem 25400. Conductors are positioned within the system 25400 alongthe spine portion 25401, for example, to power the electromagnet 25421.The lockout circuit system 25420 which encompasses the electromagnet25421 and its power source extends through the staple cartridge assembly25410. As discussed below, when the circuit 25420 is complete, orclosed, the electromagnet 25421 is powered. When the circuit is notcomplete, or open, the electromagnet 25421 is not powered. As alsodiscussed below, the presence of a spent, or partially-spent, cartridgein the system 25400 is a scenario where the circuit 25420 is open. Theabsence of a cartridge in the system 25400 is another scenario where thecircuit 25420 is open.

The lockout circuit system 25420 comprises conductors 25422 extendingfrom the electromagnet 25421 to a pair of electrical contacts 25423positioned within the system 25400. The electrical contacts 25423 arepositioned within a jaw of the system 25400 such as a channel portionwhich receives the staple cartridge assembly 25410, for example. Thestaple cartridge assembly 25410 further comprises conductor legs 25425configured to engage the contacts 25423 when the staple cartridgeassembly 25410 is fully seated in the channel portion of the jaw. Theconductor legs 25425 are part of an electrical trace 25424 definedwithin the staple cartridge assembly 25410. The conductor legs 25425 aredisposed on a proximal face 25412 of the cartridge assembly 25410. Alsodisposed on the proximal face 25412 is a severable portion 25426 of theelectrical trace 25424 which extends across a slot 25411 of the staplecartridge assembly 25410. A cutting edge of a firing member isconfigured to sever, or incise, the severable portion 25426 during astaple firing stroke of the firing member.

When a cartridge assembly is installed and is unspent, further to theabove, the severable portion 25426 is not severed and the lockoutcircuit 25420 is complete, or closed. When the lockout circuit 25420 iscomplete (FIG. 62 ), the electromagnet 25421 receives power urging thelockout member 25430 to its unlocked position permitting the firingmember to pass thereby. After the severable portion 25426 is severed, orcut, during a firing stroke of the firing member, the surgicalinstrument detects an incomplete circuit. An incomplete, or open,circuit indicates that the staple cartridge assembly 25410 is in a falseconfiguration. This may be due to having a spent, or partially spent,cartridge installed or to not having a cartridge installed within thesystem 25400. When the circuit 25420 is incomplete (FIG. 63 ), forexample, in a false configuration, the electromagnet 25421 loses powerand releases the lockout member 25430 to its locked position (FIG. 63 ).

When the spent staple cartridge assembly 25410 is removed from thesurgical instrument system 25400, the lockout circuit 25420 remains inan open state and the electromagnet 25421 remains unpowered. When anunspent staple cartridge assembly 25410 is fully seated in the system25400, the lockout circuit 25420 is once again closed and theelectromagnet 25421 is repowered to unlock the lockout member 25430.Notably, if a staple cartridge assembly 25410 is not fully seated in thesystem 25400, the legs 25425 will not be engaged with the contacts 25423and the lockout circuit 25420 will remain in an open, unpowered state.

Another surgical instrument system 25500 is depicted in FIGS. 64 and 65. The system 25500 comprises a staple cartridge 25501 comprising a sled25510 movable between an unfired position and a fired position. A firingmember 25503 is configured to move the sled 25510 from its the unfiredposition to its fired position to deploy a plurality of staples (notshown) stored within the cartridge 25501 via ramps 25511. The system25500 further comprises a circuit 25520 configured to indicate to thesurgical instrument and/or the user of the system 25500 whether thecartridge installed within the system 25500 is spent, or partiallyspent, or whether the cartridge installed within the system 25500 isunspent and ready-to-fire. When the sled 25510 is in its unfiredposition, the sled 25510 completes the circuit 25520 and when the sled25510 is in its fired, or partially-fired, position, the sled 25510 doesnot complete the circuit 25520 and the circuit 25520 is open.

The lockout circuit 25520 comprises a pair of conductors 25521 inelectrical communication with a surgical instrument handle, for example,and a pair of electrical contacts 25522 positioned within a jaw portionof the surgical instrument system 25500 configured to support the staplecartridge 25501. The electrical contacts 25522 are positioned such thatcorresponding pads, or contacts, 25523 disposed on a proximal face 25512of the sled 25510 contact the electrical contacts 25522 when the staplecartridge 25501 is fully seated in the system 25500 and the sled 25510is in its unfired position (FIG. 65 ). A tether portion, or conductor,25524 connects, or electrically couples, the contacts 25523 and isattached to a proximal middle face 25513 of the sled 25510. The contacts25522 extend to a bottom face of the sled in addition to the proximalface 25512. When the sled 25510 is in its unfired position, the contacts25523 are engaged with the lockout circuit 25520 and the lockout circuit25520 is complete indicating an unfired, ready-to-fire staple cartridge.When the lockout circuit 25520 is incomplete, the surgical instrumentcan be locked out using software and/or a mechanical feature such asthose disclosed herein, for example. In at least one instance, thelockout circuit 25520 is in signal communication with a controller ofthe surgical instrument system 255500 which supplies power to anelectric motor of the firing drive when the lockout circuit 25520 is ina closed state and prevents power from being supplied to the electricmotor when the lockout circuit 25520 is open.

A firing member lockout arrangement of a system 25600 is depicted inFIGS. 66-70 . The system 25600 comprises a firing member 25610, alockout 25620, and a shaft spine 25601. The shaft spine 25601 houses thelockout 25620 and the firing member 25610. The firing member 25610comprises a distally-presented cutting edge 25611 configured to incisetissue during a staple firing stroke of the firing member 25610. Thelockout 25620 is configured to catch the firing member 25610 when thelockout 25620 is activated and permit the firing member 25610 to passthereby. Further to the above, the lockout 25620 can be activated by acontroller of the system 25600 when an unspent staple cartridge is notpositioned in the system 25600.

The lockout 25620 comprises a solenoid 25621 and a mechanical linkagecomprising a first link 25623 and a second link 25624. The links 25623,25624 are attached at a pivot 25622. The solenoid 25621 is positionedwithin the spine 25601 such that the solenoid 25621 can apply a force tothe linkage near the pivot 25622. The lockout 25620 is illustrated inits biased, locked position in FIGS. 66 and 67 . The lockout 25620further comprises a lock body, or cam plate, 25625 pivotably coupledwith an end of the second link 25624. The cam plate 25625 is biased intoa knife band window 25612 to catch the firing member 25610 when thesolenoid 25621 is in its unactuated configuration as illustrated inFIGS. 66 and 67 .

In various instances, multiple windows are provided in the firing member25610. Another window, such as the window 25614, may comprise anotherproximal surface. The window 25614 may act as an intermediate lockout tolock the firing member 25610 in the midst of an operation. An event suchas knife binding, for example, may trigger the solenoid 25621 to releasethe lockout 25620 into its locked position to prevent further actuationof the firing member 25610. In various instances, distal surfaces of thewindows in the firing member 25610 may be configured such that when thefiring member 25610 is retracted proximally, the cam plate 25625 mayglide over the distal surfaces to prevent the locking of the firingmember 25610 as the firing member 25610 is moved proximally. In otherinstances, locking the firing member 25610 as it moves proximally may bedesirable.

In some instances, a lockout can be configured to permit movement in onedirection but prevent movement in another direction. For example, slightretraction of the firing member 25610 may be desirable when the distalmovement of the firing member 25610 has been locked out. When retractedproximally in such instances, the tissue in the area that caused thefiring member 25610 to bind up may naturally decompress and, after adefined time period of waiting for the tissue to decompress, thesolenoid 25621 may be activated to move the lockout 25620 into itsunlocked position (FIGS. 68 and 69 ) thus permitting the firing member25610 to be advanced distally again.

FIGS. 68-70 illustrate the lockout 25620 in its unlocked position. Uponcomparing FIGS. 66 and 67 to FIGS. 68-70 , it can be seen that, whenactuated, the solenoid 25621 moves the mechanical linkage into acollinear configuration to slide, or urge, the cam plate 25625 out ofthe window 25612 to unlock the firing member 25610. Slider supports25603 are provided within the spine 25601 to guide the cam plate 25625as the solenoid 25621 moves the mechanical linkage. The slider supports25603, in at least one instance, control the movement of the cam plate25625 to a linear path, for example.

Various embodiments are disclosed herein which comprise a lockoutconfigured to prevent a firing member from being advanced distally incertain instances. In many instances, the lockout is more than adequateto block the distal advancement of the firing member. In some instances,it may be desirable to have more than one lockout configured to blockthe distal advancement of the firing member. In such instances, aprimary lockout and a secondary lockout can block the distal advancementof the firing member. As described in greater detail below, thesecondary lockout can be actuated as a result of the primary lockoutbeing actuated. For example, the primary lockout can block the distaladvancement of the firing member because a staple cartridge jaw ismissing from the loading unit, the staple cartridge jaw is improperlyattached to the loading unit, and/or the staple cartridge jaw haspreviously been at least partially fired and, when the distaldisplacement of the firing member is impeded by the primary lockout, thesecondary lockout can be actuated to assist the primary lockout inblocking the distal advancement of the firing member.

Turning now to FIGS. 82 and 83 , a loading unit comprises a shaft 21730and a firing member system extending through the shaft 21730. The firingmember system comprises a first, or proximal, firing member 21760 and asecond, or distal, firing member 21762. During a staple firing stroke ofthe firing member system, the proximal firing member 21760 is pusheddistally by an electric motor and/or hand crank, for example. Likewise,the distal firing member 21762 is pushed distally by the proximal firingmember 21760. The firing member system further comprises a lockout 21780positioned intermediate the proximal firing member 21760 and the distalfiring member 21762. The lockout 21780 is configured to transmit afiring force from the proximal firing member 21760 to the distal firingmember 21762 during a staple firing stroke. In the event that the forcetransmitted through the lockout 21780 exceeds the firing force expectedduring the staple firing stroke, and/or exceeds a predeterminedthreshold force, the lockout 21780 moves into a locked configuration asillustrated in FIG. 83 and as described in greater detail further below.

The lockout 21780 comprises lock arms 21782 pivotably mounted to theproximal firing member 21760 at a pivot 21784. The lock arms 21782 areconfigured to abut drive surfaces 21768 defined on the proximal end ofthe firing member 21762 and push the firing member 21762 distally. In atleast one instance, the drive surfaces 21768 form a conical surface, forexample. The lockout 21780 further comprises a biasing member, orspring, 21785 configured to bias the lockout arms 21782 inwardly towardan unlocked configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 82 , against the drivesurfaces 21768. Each lock arm 21782 comprises a pin 21783 extendingtherefrom which is configured to mount an end of the spring 21785thereto. When the lockout 21780 moves into a locked configuration,further to the above, the lock arms 21782 slide relative to the drivesurfaces 21768 and splay, or rotate, outwardly into engagement with theshaft 21730. The shaft 21730 comprises a rack, or racks, of teeth 21781defined therein which are engaged by the lock arms 21782 and prevent theproximal firing member 21760 from being advanced distally.

Further to the above, the spring 21785 is resiliently stretched when thelock arms 21782 are displaced outwardly. The stiffness of the spring21785 is selected such that the spring 21785 can hold the lock arms21782 in their unlocked configuration against the drive surfaces 21768when the force transmitted from the proximal firing member 21760 to thedistal firing member 21762 is below the threshold force yet permit thelock arms 21782 to displace outwardly when the force transmitted fromthe proximal firing member 21760 to the distal firing member 21762exceeds the threshold force. The force transmitted between the proximalfiring member 21760 and the distal firing member 21762 is below thethreshold force when the firing system is firing the staples from astaple cartridge and above the threshold force when the distal firingmember 21760 is blocked by a missing cartridge and/or spent cartridgelockout, for example. In such instances, the lockout 21780 is deployedin response to another lockout blocking the advancement of the staplefiring system. Stated another way, the lockout 21780 can comprise asecondary lockout which co-operates with a primary lockout to block theadvancement of the staple firing system.

In various instances, further to the above, the lockout 21780 canprovide overload protection to the staple firing system. For instance,the staple firing system can become jammed during a firing stroke andthe lockout 21780 can deploy to stop the staple firing stroke. In suchinstances, the lockout 21780 can transfer the firing force, or at leasta portion of the firing force, to the shaft 21730 instead of the staplecartridge. As a result, the lockout 21780 can prevent the firing systemand/or staple cartridge from being damaged, or at least further damaged.In such instances, the lockout 21780 is deployed in response to acondition of the stapling assembly other than a predefined lockout.Referring again to FIGS. 82 and 83 , the teeth racks 21781 are the samelength as, or longer than, the firing stroke of the staple firing systemsuch that the lockout 21780 can engage the teeth racks 21781 at anypoint during the firing stroke.

When the force being transmitted from the proximal firing member 21760to the distal firing member 21762 drops below the force threshold, thespring 21785 can resiliently return the lock arms 21782 to theirunlocked configuration and into engagement with the drive surfaces 21768of the distal firing member 21762. At such point, the firing stroke canbe completed if the condition that caused the second lockout 21780 toactuate has abated. Otherwise, the proximal firing member 21760 can beretracted.

Turning now to FIGS. 92-95 , a loading unit comprises a shaft 24530 anda staple firing system extending through the shaft 24530. The staplefiring system comprises a proximal firing member 24560 and a distalfiring member 24562. During a staple firing stroke of the staple firingsystem, the proximal firing member 24560 is pushed distally by anelectric motor and/or hand crank, for example. Likewise, the distalfiring member 24562 is pushed distally by the proximal firing member24560. The staple firing system further comprises a lockout 24580positioned intermediate the proximal firing member 24560 and the distalfiring member 24562. The lockout 24580 is configured to transmit afiring force from the proximal firing member 24560 to the distal firingmember 24562 during a staple firing stroke. In the event that the forcetransmitted through the lockout 24580 exceeds the firing force expectedduring the staple firing stroke, and/or exceeds a predeterminedthreshold force, the lockout 24580 moves into a locked configuration asillustrated in FIGS. 94 and 95 .

Referring primarily to FIGS. 93 and 95 , the lockout 24580 comprises asubstantially C-shaped configuration, for example, which extends arounda portion of the distal firing member 24562. The lockout 24580 compriseslock arms 24584 which grip the distal firing member 24562 when thelockout 24580 is in its unactuated, or unlocked, configuration, asillustrated in FIGS. 92 and 93 . The lockout 24580 further comprises adrive tab 24582 which is contacted by the proximal firing member 24560when the proximal firing member 24560 is driven distally during a staplefiring stroke of the staple firing system. When the lockout 24580 ispushed distally by the proximal firing member 24560, the lockout 24580abuts a drive surface 24564 defined on the distal firing member 24562and pushes the distal firing member 24562 distally. As a result, thelockout 24580 transmits a pushing force from the proximal firing member24560, through the lock arms 24584, and into the drive surface 24564.

Referring primarily to FIG. 92 , the drive tab 24582 is not co-planarwith the lock arms 24584; rather, the drive tab 24582 extends laterallyfrom a plane defined by the lock arms 24584. More particularly, thedrive tab 24582 comprises an elevated portion which is upset from thelock arms 24584, at least when the lockout 24580 is in its unactuatedconfiguration. The lockout 24580 is configured to remain in itsunactuated configuration so as long as the pushing force beingtransmitted through the lockout 24580 is below a threshold force. Thepushing force required to complete the firing stroke is below thisthreshold force. When the pushing force transmitted through the lockout24580 exceeds the threshold force, the lockout 24580 collapses into itsactuated configuration as illustrated in FIGS. 94 and 95 . The pushingforce can exceed the threshold force when the distal firing member 24562abuts a missing cartridge and/or spent cartridge lockout in the staplecartridge, for example.

Referring again to FIGS. 94 and 95 , the lock arms 24584 splay radiallyoutwardly to engage the shaft 24530 when the lockout 24580 moves intoits actuated configuration. In at least one instance, the shaft 24530can comprise a recess 24534 defined therein which is configured toreceive the lock arms 24584. The recess 24534 is defined in the shaft24530 such that the lock arms 24584 are aligned with the recess 24534when the distal advancement of the firing system is blocked by a missingcartridge and/or spent cartridge lockout. Once the lock arms 24584 arein the recess 24534, the lockout 24580 can also block the distaladvancement of the firing system. In various instances, the recess 24534is positioned and arranged to stop the firing member 24560 before acutting member of the firing drive incises tissue. When the proximalfiring member 24560 is retracted and the pushing load being applied tothe lockout 24580 drops below the threshold force, the lockout 24580 canresiliently return back to its unactuated configuration. At such point,an unspent cartridge can be placed in the loading unit to defeat themissing cartridge and/or spent cartridge lockout such that the firingsystem can be advanced distally through its staple firing stroke. At anypoint, however, the proximal firing member 24560 can be retracted toretract the distal firing member 24562.

The threshold force of the lockouts described above can be actuated ifthe staple firing system is accelerated too quickly. Stated another way,an acceleration spike in a staple firing system can cause a force spikewhich exceeds a threshold force of the lockout which causes the lockoutto stop the staple firing system. Such instances can arise when a firingtrigger mechanically coupled to the staple firing system is squeezed tooquickly and or a power supply is suddenly applied to an electric motorof the staple firing system, for example. In at least one instance, anacceleration spike can occur when the power applied to the electricalmotor is improperly modulated and/or when a software fault has occurredin the motor controller, for example. Such acceleration spikes and forcespikes are typically transient and the firing stroke can be completedonce the force being transmitted through the staple firing system dropsback below the threshold force.

Turning now to FIG. 84 , a stapling assembly comprises a shaft 21830 anda firing member 21860 extending therethrough. The stapling assemblyfurther comprises a lockout system 21880. The lockout system 21880comprises lock arms 21882 rotatably mounted to the staple firing member21860 about pivots 21884. Each lock arm 21882 is rotatable between anunactuated position, which is shown in solid lines in FIG. 84 , and anactuated position, which is shown in phantom lines in FIG. 84 . Thelockout system 21880 further comprises cantilever springs 21885 mountedto the staple firing member 21860 configured to bias the lock arms 21882into their unactuated positions. The stapling assembly further comprisesan actuator 21862 mounted to the firing member 21860 which is configuredto slide, or drag, against the housing of the shaft 21830 when thefiring member 21860 is moved distally. When the firing member 21860 isaccelerated too quickly, or above a threshold level, the drag forcebetween the actuator 21862 and the shaft 21830 will slow or grip theactuator 21862 and allow the firing member 21860 to slide relative tothe actuator 21862. In such instances, the relative movement between theactuator 21862 and the firing member 21860 drives the lock arms 21882outwardly into engagement with racks of teeth 21881 defined in the shaft21830 to stop, impeded, or slow the distal progression of the staplefiring system.

Turning now to FIG. 85 , a stapling assembly comprises a shaft 21930 anda firing member 21960 configured to be translated within the shaft21930. The stapling assembly further comprises a lockout system 21980including a lock arm 21982 rotatably mounted to the staple firing member21960 about a pivot 21984. The lock arm 21982 is rotatable between anunactuated position, which is shown in solid lines in FIG. 85 , and anactuated position, which is shown in phantom lines in FIG. 85 . Thelockout system 21980 further comprises a coil spring 21985 mounted tothe staple firing member 21960 and the lock arm 21982 which isconfigured to bias the lock arm 21982 into its unactuated position. Thelockout system 21980 further comprises an actuator, or weight, 21989mounted to the lock arm 21982 which is configured to inertially rotatethe lock arm 21982 when the firing member 21960 is accelerated distally.When the firing member 21960 is accelerated too quickly, or above athreshold level, the inertial force generated by the weight 21989 issufficient to overcome the biasing force of the spring 21985 and rotatethe lock arm 21982 into engagement with a rack of teeth 21981 defined inthe shaft 21930. In such instances, the lockout system 21890 will stop,impede, or slow the distal progression of the staple firing system untilthe acceleration of the firing member 21960 drops below the thresholdand the spring 21985 can pull the lock arm 21982 out of engagement withthe rack of teeth 21981.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, a stapling assembly can comprisemeans for regulating the speed of a staple firing system which can, invarious instances, reduce or smooth acceleration spikes generated withinthe staple firing system. Turning now to FIG. 86 , a stapling assemblycan comprise a shaft 22030 and a staple firing member 22060 configuredto be translated within the shaft 22030. The stapling assembly furthercomprises a dampening system 22080 including a dampening member, orbumper, 22081 configured to slow the distal translation and/or proximaltranslation of the staple firing member 22060. The dampening member22081 is comprised of a compliant and/or elastomeric material, such asrubber, for example, which is configured to generate a dampening forceopposing the pushing force being applied to the firing member 22060 whenthe firing member 22060 contacts the dampening member 22081. The firingmember 22060 extends through an aperture defined in the dampening member22081 and comprises an annular ridge 22082 configured to engage thedampening member 22081. Although only one dampening member 22081 andshaft ridge 22082 are illustrated in FIG. 86 , the stapling assembly cancomprise any suitable number of dampening members 22081 and/or shaftridges 22082, for example.

Further to the above, the bumper 22081 is positioned within the shaft22030 such that the ridge 22082 contacts the bumper 22081 just beforethe firing member 22060 reaches a missing cartridge and/or spentcartridge lockout. In such instances, the dampening system 22080 canreduce the speed of the firing member 22060 before the firing member22060 reaches a lockout and, as a result, reduce the possibility thatthe firing member 22060 crashes through, or unintentionally defeats, thelockout.

Turning now to FIG. 87 , a stapling assembly can comprise a shaft 22130and a staple firing member 22160 configured to be translated within theshaft 22130. The stapling assembly further comprises a hydraulicdampening system 22180 including a cylinder assembly configured to slowthe firing member 22160 during its staple firing stroke. The cylinderassembly comprises an input piston 22181 slidably positioned in achamber 22183 which is sealingly engaged with the sidewalls of thechamber 22183. The cylinder assembly further comprises an output piston22184 slidably positioned in a chamber 22185 which is sealingly engagedwith the sidewalls of the chamber 22185. As illustrated in FIG. 87 , aportion of the chamber 22183 is in fluid communication with a portion ofthe chamber 22185 via a restricted orifice 22189. An incompressible, orsubstantially incompressible, fluid 22182 is contained in the chambers22183 and 22185 between the input piston 22181 and the output piston22184. In at least one instance, the fluid 22182 comprises hydraulicfluid, for example. In certain instances, the fluid 22182 comprises saltwater, for example. When the firing member 22160 is advanced distally,the firing member 22160, or a shoulder defined on the firing member22160, contacts a cam, or angled, surface defined on the input piston22181 and drives the input piston downwardly into the chamber 22183. Insuch instances, the input piston 22181 displaces the fluid 22182 intothe chamber 22185 which, in turn, displaces the output piston 22184within the chamber 22185. The movement of the output piston 22184, thefluid 22182, and the input piston 22181 is resisted by a spring 22186positioned in the chamber 22185. As a result of the above, the dampeningsystem 22180 applies a drag force to the firing member 22160 whichincreases proportionately with an increase in the speed of the firingmember 22160 and can limit the maximum speed of the firing member 22160.Similar to the above, the dampening system 22180 can be positioned inthe shaft 22130 so that the firing member 22160 contacts the dampeningsystem 22180 just before, or at least before, the firing member 22160reaches a lockout.

Turning now to FIG. 89 , a stapling assembly can comprise a shaft 22330and a firing member 22360 slidable within the shaft 22330. The staplingassembly further comprises a pneumatic piston arrangement 22380configured to apply a drag force to the firing member 22360. The firingmember 22360 comprises a cylindrical, or at least substantiallycylindrical, rod extending through a support defined in the shaft 22330and an integrally-formed piston 22362 slideably positioned in a cylinder22383 defined in the shaft 22330. The piston arrangement 22380 comprisesone or more piston seals 22382 seated within seal grooves extendingaround the piston 22362. The piston seals 22382 are sealingly engagedwith the piston 22362 and a cylinder wall 22381 of the cylinder 22383.The piston arrangement 22380 further comprises one or more seals 22361,seated in seal grooves defined in the shaft support, which are sealinglyengaged with the shaft 22330 and the firing member 22360. In variousinstances, the seals 22361 and 22383 comprise compliant O-rings, forexample. In any event, the distal displacement of the firing member22360 compresses air in the cylinder 22383 and forces the compressed airthrough a vent 22363 defined in the shaft 22330. This arrangementapplies a drag force to the firing member 22360 which increasesproportionately with the speed of the firing member 22360.

Further to the above, the diameter and/or length of the vent 22363 canbe selected to limit the speed of the firing member 22360 in a desiredmanner. Moreover, the seals 22382 are sealingly engaged with the shaft22330 when the firing member 22360 is advanced distally and retractedproximally and, as a result, the piston arrangement 22380 applies a dragforce to the firing member 22360 when the firing member 22360 isadvanced distally and retracted proximally. In at least one embodiment,a valve, such as a one-way valve, for example, can be positioned andarranged relative to the vent 22363. The valve can provide an orificehaving a smaller diameter when the firing member 22360 is being advanceddistally and an orifice having a larger diameter when the firing member22360 is retracted proximally. In such instances, the vent can apply alarger drag force to the firing member 22360 when the firing member22360 is being advanced distally as compared to when the firing member22360 is being retracted proximally for a given speed. As a result, thevalve can provide different directional speed limits.

Turning now to FIG. 88 , a stapling assembly can comprise a staplefiring shaft 22060 which is displaced distally to eject staples from astaple cartridge. The stapling assembly further comprises means forapplying an electromagnetic drag force and/or magnetic drag force to thestaple firing shaft 22260. In at least one instance, the staplingassembly comprises a wound conductor coil 22280 which is energized by apower source, such as a battery, for example, such that a current flowsthrough the coil 22280. The wound conductor coil 22280, once energized,creates a magnetic field which interacts with magnetic elements 22282defined in and/or attached to the shaft 22260. In at least one instance,the magnetic elements 22282 comprise permanent magnets, for example. Thepolarity of the power source is applied to the coil 22280 such that coil22280 generates a magnetic field which applies a repulsive force to theferromagnetic elements 22282 as the firing member 22260 approaches thecoil 22280 and, as a result, applies a drag force to the firing member22360 during the staple firing stroke. The intensity or strength of themagnetic field created by the coil 22280 is stronger near the coil 22280and, as a result, the drag force applied to the firing member 22360 willbe greater near the coil 22280.

In view of the above, the coil 22280, when energized, can act as a brakeand, in certain instances, stop, or at least assist in stopping, thelongitudinal movement of the firing member 22360 at the end of thestaple firing stroke, for example. In certain instances, the voltagepolarity applied to the coil 22280 can be reversed to reverse the flowof current through the coil 22280 during the retraction stroke of thefiring member 22360. In such instances, the coil 22280 can apply abraking force to the firing member 22360 as the firing member 22360 isretracted away from the coil 22280. Although only one coil 22280 isillustrated in FIG. 88 , a stapling assembly can comprise any suitablenumber of energizable coils. In addition to or in lieu of the above, astapling assembly can comprise one or more permanent magnets mounted tothe shaft of the stapling assembly which can apply a magnetic brakingforce to the staple firing member.

In at least one embodiment, referring again to FIG. 88 , a power sourceis not applied to the coil 22280 and the coil 22280 can act aselectric/inductive brake. In such embodiments, the movement of themagnetic elements 22282 through the coil 22280 generates a current inthe coil 22280 which, in turn, generates a magnetic field which opposesthe movement of the magnetic elements 22282. When the magnetic elements22282 are moved slowly relative to the coil 22280, the opposing magneticfield exerts a negligible braking force on the firing member 22260. Whenthe magnetic elements 22282 are moved quickly relative to the coil22280, the opposing magnetic field is much stronger and applies a muchstronger braking force to the firing member 22260. The coil 22280 andthe magnetic elements 22282 can be positioned and arranged such that thebraking force is applied to the firing member 22260 just before, or atleast before, the firing member 22260 reaches a missing cartridge and/orspent cartridge lockout.

As discussed above, the firing member of a staple firing system can bedriven by an electric motor. A motor controller, that may include aprocessor, and which can be implemented as a microcontroller, can beutilized to control the voltage supplied to the electric motor and, as aresult, control the speed of the staple firing member. In certaininstances, the motor controller can utilize pulse width modulation (PWM)and/or frequency modulation (FM), for example, to control the speed ofthe electric motor. In other instances, the motor controller may notmodulate the power supplied to the electric motor. In either event, astapling assembly can comprise a sensor system in communication with themotor controller which is configured to detect whether or not an unspentstaple cartridge, or an unspent staple cartridge jaw, has been attachedto the stapling assembly. In the event that the sensor system detectsthat an unspent staple cartridge is attached to the stapling assembly,the motor controller can recognize a signal from the sensor systemindicating the presence of an unspent staple cartridge and operate theelectric motor of the staple firing system when the user of the staplingassembly actuates the staple firing system. In the event that the sensorsystem does not detect an unspent staple cartridge attached to thestapling assembly, the motor controller receives a signal from thesensor system indicating that an unspent cartridge is not attached tothe stapling assembly and prevents the electric motor from operating thestaple firing system. Such an arrangement can comprise an electronic orsoftware lockout.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, a stapling system can comprise asensor system configured to track the displacement of a staple firingmember. Referring to FIG. 90 , a staple firing member 22460 of astapling assembly 22400 is movable between a proximal, unfired positionand a distal, fired position along a staple firing path 22463. Adetectable magnetic element 22461, for example, is mounted to the staplefiring member 22460 which moves along, or at least substantially along,the staple firing path 22463. In at least one instance, the magneticelement 22461 is a permanent magnet, for example, which is comprised ofiron, nickel, and/or any other suitable material. The sensor systemcomprises a first, or proximal, sensor 22401′ and a second, or distal,sensor 22401 which are configured to detect the magnetic element 22461as it moves along the staple firing path 22463 with the translatablemember 22460. The first sensor 22401′ and the second sensor 22401 eachcomprise a Hall Effect sensor; however, the sensors 22401′ and 22401 cancomprise any suitable sensor. The sensors 22401′ and 22401 output avoltage that varies depending on their respective distances from themagnetic element 22461 (a higher voltage is output when the distance issmall and a lesser voltage is output when the distance is great).

Further to the above, the sensor system comprises a sensor circuitincluding, among other things, a voltage source 22403, for example, incommunication with the sensors 22401′ and 22401 which supplies power tothe sensors 22401′ and 22401. The sensor circuit further comprises afirst switch 22405′ in communication with the first sensor 22401′ and asecond switch 22405 in communication with the second sensor 22401. In atleast one instance, the switches 22401′ and 22401 each comprise atransistor, such as a FET, for example. The outputs of the sensors22401′, 22401 are connected to the central (gate) terminal of theswitches 22405′, 22405, respectively. Prior to the firing stroke of thestaple firing member 22460, the output voltages from the sensors 22401′,22401 are high so that the first switch 22405′ and the second switch22405 are in closed conditions.

When the magnetic element 22461 passes by the first sensor 22401′, thevoltage output of the first sensor 22401′ is sufficient to change thefirst switch between a closed condition and an open condition.Similarly, the voltage output of the second sensor 22401 is sufficientto change the second switch 22405 between a closed condition and an opencondition when the magnetic element 22461 passes by the second sensor22401. When both of the switches 22405′ and 22405 are in an opencondition, a ground potential is applied to an operational amplifiercircuit 22406. The operational amplifier circuit 22406 is in signalcommunication with an input channel of a microcontroller 22490 of themotor controller and, when a ground potential is applied to theoperational amplifier circuit 22406, the microcontroller 22490 receivesa ground signal from the circuit 22406.

When the microcontroller 22490 receives a ground signal from the circuit22406, the microcontroller 22490 can determine that the staple firingstroke has been completed and that the staple cartridge positioned inthe stapling assembly 22400 has been completely spent. Other embodimentsare envisioned in which the sensor system is configured to detect apartial firing stroke of the staple firing member 22460 and supply asignal to the microcontroller 22490 that indicates that the staplecartridge has been at least partially spent. In either event, the motorcontroller can be configured to prevent the firing member 22460 fromperforming another firing stroke until the staple cartridge has beenreplaced with an unspent cartridge. In at least one instance, further tothe above, the sensor system comprises a sensor configured to detectwhether the spent cartridge has been detached from the stapling assemblyand/or whether an unspent cartridge has been assembled to the staplingassembly.

Further to the above, the sensor system can be configured to detectwhether the firing member 22460 has been retracted along a retractionpath 22462. In at least one instance, the magnetic element 22461 can bedetected by the sensor 22401 as the magnetic element 22461 is retractedalong the path 22462 and change the second switch 22405 back into aclosed condition. Similarly, the magnetic element 22461 can be detectedby the sensor 22401′ as the magnetic element 22461 is retracted alongthe path 22463 and change the first switch 22405′ back into a closedcondition. By closing the switches 22405 and 22405′, the voltagepolarity from the battery 22403 is applied to the circuit 22406 and, asa result, the microprocessor 22490 receives a Vcc signal from thecircuit 22406 on its input channel. In various instances, the motorcontroller can be configured to prevent the electric motor from beingoperated to perform another staple firing stroke until the firing member22460 has been fully retracted.

A stapling assembly 25700 comprising a staple cartridge 25730, a firingmember 25760, and a lockout 25780 is illustrated in FIGS. 71-74 . Thestaple cartridge 25730 comprises a sled 25770 which is pushed distallyby the firing member 25760 during a staple firing stroke of the firingmember 25760. During the staple firing stroke, the firing member 25760pushes the sled 25770 distally from a proximal, unfired position (FIGS.71 and 72 ) toward a distal, fired position (FIGS. 73 and 74 ). The sled25770 is configured to slide under staples removably stored in staplecavities defined in the staple cartridge 25730 and eject the staplesfrom the staple cavities. In various instances, the staple cartridge25730 comprises staple drivers which, one, support the staples in thestaple cartridge and, two, are driven by the sled 25770 to eject thestaples from the staple cavities. After the staple firing stroke of thefiring member 25760 has been completed, the firing member 25760 isretracted proximally. Notably, the sled 25770 is not retractedproximally with the firing member 25760.

Further to the above, the lockout 25780 comprises lock arms 25782. Eachlock arm 25782 comprises a cantilever beam including a first end mountedto a shaft of the stapling assembly 25700 and a movable second endconfigured to engage the firing member 25760. The firing member 25760comprises lock apertures 25762 defined therein which are configured toreceive the second ends of the lock arms 25782. When the sled 25770 isin its proximal, unfired position (FIGS. 71 and 72 ), however, the sled25770 deflects the lock arms 25782 laterally away from the firing member25760 and holds the lock arms 25782 out of the lock apertures 25762. Asa result, the lockout 25780 does not prevent the firing member 25760from performing a staple firing stroke when a staple cartridge 25730 ispositioned in the stapling assembly 25700 and the sled 25770 of thatstaple cartridge 25730 is in its unfired position. When the firingmember 25760 is advanced distally during its staple firing stroke, thelock apertures 25762 defined in the firing member 25760 are no longeraligned with the lock arms 25782 and, as a result, the lock arms 25782do not interfere with the stapling firing stroke once it has begun.After the staple firing stroke of the firing member 25760, the firingmember 25760 is retracted proximally to its unfired position, asillustrated in FIGS. 73 and 74 . At such point, the lock apertures 25762are re-aligned with the lock arms 25782 and, as the sled 25770 was notreturned to its unfired position, the lock arms 25782 can enter into thelock apertures 25762 and lockout the firing member 25760.

As a result of the above, the lockout 25780 comprises a missingcartridge lockout and a spent cartridge lockout. Alternative embodimentsare envisioned in which the staple cartridge 25730 is not removable fromthe stapling assembly 25700. In such embodiments, the lockout 25780would comprise a spent cartridge lockout.

Referring to FIGS. 75 and 76 , a stapling assembly 25800 comprises astaple cartridge 25830 including a cartridge body 25831, a sled 25870movable distally within the cartridge body 25831, and staple drivers25880. The cartridge body comprises staple cavities 25832 definedtherein and staples removably stored in the staple cavities 25832. Thesled 25870 is translatable distally between a proximal, unfired position(FIG. 75 ) and a distal, fired position during a staple firing stroke.During the staple firing stroke, the sled 25870 contacts the stapledrivers 25880 and drives the staple drivers 25880 upwardly within thestaple cavities 25832, as illustrated in FIG. 76 . Notably, thecartridge body 25831 comprises several longitudinal rows of staplecavities 25832 defined therein and the staple drivers 25880 are arrangedin longitudinal rows which are aligned with the longitudinal rows ofstaple cavities 25832. During the staple firing stroke of the sled25870, the staple drivers 25880 and the staples are driven sequentiallyas the sled 25870 is advanced distally. Stated another way, theproximal-most staples drivers 25880 and staples are fired before thedistal-most drivers 25880 and staples are fired. In various instances,the firing of the proximal-most staple drivers 25880 marks the beginningof the staple firing stroke.

Referring again to FIGS. 75 and 76 , the staple cartridge 25830comprises a lockout circuit configured to detect when the staplecartridge 25830 has been at least partially fired. A portion of thelockout circuit extends through the cartridge body 25831 and includeselectrical contacts 25834. Another portion of the lockout circuitextends through the proximal-most staple driver 25880 and includeselectrical contacts 25884 which are aligned with the electrical contacts25834. When the staple cartridge 25830 is in its unfired condition (FIG.75 ), the driver contacts 25884 abut the cartridge body contacts 25834and, as a result, the lockout circuit is in a closed condition. When theproximal-most staple driver 25880 is lifted upwardly by the sled 25870,the driver contacts 25884 are disengaged from the cartridge bodycontacts 25834 and the lockout circuit is opened. The lockout circuit isin signal communication with a controller of the stapling assembly 25800which is configured to interpret that the opening of the lockout circuitmeans that the staple cartridge 25830 in the stapling assembly 25800 hasbeen at least partially fired and that the staple firing system shouldnot be operated a second, or additional, time without the staplecartridge 25830 being replaced with an unspent staple cartridge 25830.Once an unspent staple cartridge 25830 has been positioned in thestapling assembly 25800 and the lockout circuit is closed by the unspentstaple cartridge 25830, the controller can permit the staple firingsystem to be operated once again.

In various instances, referring again to FIG. 76 , the proximal-moststaple driver 25880 is in a slight friction-fit engagement with thesidewalls of a staple cavity 25832. As a result, the proximal-moststaple driver 25880 stays in its fired position after it has been liftedupwardly by the sled 25870 and, as such, the driver contacts 25884 areheld out of contact with the cartridge body contacts 25834 once thelockout circuit is opened and the possibility of the lockout circuitre-closing is reduced.

As described above, the staple firing stroke of the staple cartridge25830 opens the lockout circuit. In alternative embodiments, the staplefiring stroke of a staple cartridge can close a lockout circuit. In suchembodiments, the controller of the stapling assembly can interpret thatthe closing of the lockout circuit means that the staple cartridge hasbeen at least partially fired and that the staple firing system shouldnot be operated a second, or additional, time without the staplecartridge being replaced with an unspent staple cartridge.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, a stapling assembly can includea detection circuit configured to detect when the distal-most stapledriver 25880 and staple have been fired. In at least one such instance,the distal-most staple driver 25880 can have the contact arrangementdescribed above, and/or any other suitable arrangement, which changesthe condition of the detection circuit. The controller of the staplingassembly can interpret that the change in condition of the detectioncircuit means that the staple cartridge has been completely fired andthat the staple firing system should be retracted, for instance.

Turning now to FIGS. 77 and 78 , a stapling assembly 25900 comprises ashaft 25910, an anvil jaw 25920, and a staple cartridge jaw which isremovably attachable to a frame of the shaft 25910. The staplingassembly 25900 further comprises an articulation joint 25940 configuredto permit the anvil jaw 25920 and the staple cartridge jaw to articulaterelative to the shaft 25910. Similar to the embodiments describedherein, the staple cartridge jaw is movable between an open position anda closed position to clamp the tissue of a patient against the anvil jaw25920.

The stapling assembly 25900 further comprises a lockout circuit 25980configured to detect when the staple cartridge jaw is in its closedposition. The lockout circuit 25980 comprises conductors 25984 extendingthrough the shaft 25910 and an electrode pad 25982 positioned in theanvil jaw 25920. The conductors 25984 place the electrode pad 25982 incommunication with a controller of the stapling assembly 25900 and, invarious instances, the controller can apply a voltage potential acrossthe conductors 25984 to create a monitoring current within the lockoutcircuit 25980. As described in greater detail below, the controller isconfigured to evaluate the impedance and/or resistivity of the lockoutcircuit 25980 and monitor for changes in the impedance and/orresistivity of the lockout circuit 25980 via the monitoring current.

Further to the above, referring primarily to FIG. 78 , the staplecartridge jaw comprises a pin 25932 configured to puncture and/or deformthe electrode pad 25982 when the staple cartridge jaw is moved into itsclosed position. The pin 25932 is comprised of stainless steel, forexample, and disrupts the impedance and/or resistivity of the lockoutcircuit 25980 which is detected by the controller. Such a disruption caninform the controller that, one, a staple cartridge jaw has beenattached to the stapling assembly 25900 and, two, the staple cartridgejaw has been closed. At such point, the controller can electronicallyunlock the staple firing system and permit the staple firing system toperform its staple firing stroke. In at least one such instance, thestaple firing system comprises an electric motor and a battery, whereinthe controller comprises an electronic or software lockout that preventsthe battery from supplying sufficient power to the electric motor toperform the staple firing stroke until the controller detects that asufficient change in a parameter of the lockout circuit 25980 hasoccurred. As a result, the staple firing system of the stapling assembly25900 cannot be operated until the staple cartridge jaw has been closed.

Referring again to FIG. 77 , the lockout circuit 25980 extends throughthe shaft 25910 and the anvil jaw 25920, but not the staple cartridgejaw. While the pin 25932 of the staple cartridge jaw disrupts thelockout circuit 25980, as described above, the pin 25932 is electricallyinsulated within the staple cartridge jaw and does not close or open thelockout circuit 25980.

Alternatively, referring again to FIGS. 77 and 78 , the pin 25932 ispart of the lockout circuit 25980 and the electrode pad 25982 comprisesa contact which is punctured by the pin 25932. In such embodiments, thepin 25932 closes the lockout circuit when the pin 25932 engages theelectrode pad 25982 such that a sensing current can flow between the pin25932 and the electrode pad 25982. In at least one instance, theelectrode pad 25982 can be comprised of a self-healing material, such asa conductive gel, for example. In various instances, the pin 25932 maypuncture tissue before entering into the electrode pad 25982. Referringagain to FIG. 77 the electrode pad 25982 can comprise a wipe pad 25983configured to at least partially clean the pin 25932 before the pin25932 enters into the electrode pad 25982.

Referring to FIGS. 79 and 80 , the shaft 25910 comprises an outerhousing 25911 including a longitudinal slot 25912 defined therein whichis configured to slidably receive a firing member 25960. Thelongitudinal slot 25912 extends through the articulation joint 25940 andinto the anvil jaw 25920 and the staple cartridge jaw. When the anviljaw 25920 and the staple cartridge jaw are in an unarticulatedorientation, the longitudinal slot 25912 is straight, or does notinclude a change in direction. When the anvil jaw 25920 and the staplecartridge jaw are in an articulated orientation, the longitudinal slot25912 comprises a change in direction. As a result, the firing member25960 needs to be sufficiently flexible to pass through the articulationjoint 25940. Such flexibility of the firing member 25960, however, maycause the firing member 25960 to buckle during the staple firing stroke.To prevent or reduce such buckling, the stapling assembly 25900 furthercomprises anti-buckling, or anti-blowout, plates 25944 positioned onopposite sides of the firing member 25960 which are configured tosupport the firing member 25960 within and/or adjacent to thearticulation joint 25940. In at least one instance, the anti-bucklingplates 25944 are positioned in the shaft 25910 proximally with respectto the articulation joint 25940.

Further to the above, the shaft 25910 and the articulation joint 25940include routing channels defined therein configured to receive theconductors 25984 of the lockout circuit 25980. For instance, the shaft25910 comprises channels 25915 defined in the outer housing 25911 of theshaft 25910. In at least one such instance, a first conductor 25984extends through a first channel 25915 and a second conductor 25984extends through a second channel 25915. Moreover, each anti-bucklingplate 25984 comprises a channel 25945 defined therein configured toreceive a conductor 25984. The channels 25945 are aligned, or at leastsubstantially aligned, with the channels 25915.

Referring to FIG. 81 , a staple cartridge 26230 comprises a longitudinalslot 26231 and longitudinal rows of staple cavities 26232 definedtherein. During a staple firing stroke, a firing member, such as thefiring member 25960, for example, is configured to slide within thelongitudinal slot 26231 to push a sled, such as sled 25770, for example,distally to eject staples from the staple cavities 26232. Similar to theabove, the firing member 25960 and the sled 25770 sequentially eject thestaples from the staple cavities 26232 and, as a result, sequentiallydeform the staples against an anvil, such as the anvil 25920, forexample. The pushing force transmitted through the firing member 25960to sequentially deform the staples is rarely, if ever, constant. Rather,the pushing force typically includes a series of spikes which arecoincident with the staples being deformed against the anvil. FIG. 81Aillustrates such force spikes. More particularly, FIG. 81A illustrates atypical force profile 26260 of the pushing force (F) experienced by thefiring member 25960 over the length (L) of the staple firing stroke. Theforce profile 26260 comprises peaks 26261 and valleys 26262 between thepeaks 26261.

In various instances, further to the above, the controller of a staplingassembly can be configured to monitor the pushing force being applied tothe firing member 25960. In at least one instance, the staple firingsystem comprises an electric motor configured to drive the firing member25960 and, in such instances, the current drawn by the electric motorduring the staple firing stroke can be monitored as a proxy for thepushing force being applied to the firing member 25960. In fact, a chartcomparing the current drawn by the electric motor over the staple firingstroke may look very similar to the force profile 26260 illustrated inFIG. 81A. In certain embodiments, a force transducer can be utilized tomonitor the pushing force. In any event, the controller can count thepeaks 26261 of the force profile 26260 during the firing stroke and stopthe staple firing stroke after a predetermined count threshold has beenreached. In at least one such instance, a staple cartridge can comprise100 staples removably stored therein and, after the controller hascounted 100 force and/or current spikes, the controller can interruptthe power to the electric motor, for example, as it can be assumed thatthe staple firing stroke has been completed.

In various instances, further to the above, a stapling assembly can beconfigured for use with staple cartridges having different lengthsand/or different quantities of staples stored therein. For example, thestapling assembly can be usable with a first staple cartridge configuredto apply an approximately 45 mm staple line and a second staplecartridge configured to apply an approximately 60 mm staple line. Thefirst staple cartridge comprises a first quantity of staples removablystored therein and the second staple cartridge comprises a secondquantity of staples removably stored therein which is more than thefirst quantity. When the first staple cartridge is being used with thestapling assembly, the controller is configured to stop the staplefiring stroke after the controller identifies a first number of forcespikes and, similarly, the controller is configured to stop the staplefiring stroke after the controller identifies a second number of forcespikes when the second staple cartridge is being used with the staplingassembly. Stated another way, the controller can be configured toevaluate the force profile of the first cartridge, such as force profile26260, for example, and the force profile of the second cartridge, suchas force profile 26260′, for example. Moreover, the controller can beconfigured to monitor the force profiles of any suitable number ofstaple cartridges.

Further to the above, the staple cartridges that can be used with astapling assembly can comprise unique identifiers that can assist thecontroller of the stapling assembly in identifying the type of staplecartridge that is attached to the stapling assembly. In at least oneinstance, the staple cartridges have unique RFID tags which cancommunicate with the controller of the stapling assembly, for example.In certain instances, the staple cartridges have bar codes thereon whichcan be scanned before they are used with the stapling assembly, forexample. Once the controller identifies the type of staple cartridgeattached to the stapling assembly, the controller can determine theappropriate length of the staple firing stroke. In at least oneinstance, information regarding the appropriate firing stroke length fora staple cartridge can be stored in a memory device, for example, incommunication with a microprocessor of the controller.

In addition to or in lieu of the above, a staple cartridge, such as thestaple cartridge 26230, for example, can be configured to createdetectable force spikes in the pushing force and/or current spikes beingdrawn by the electric motor at the end of the staple firing stroke.Referring to FIG. 81 , the staple cartridge 26230 comprises one or morebridges 26233 extending across the longitudinal slot 26231 near thedistal end of the longitudinal slot 26231, i.e., near the distal end ofthe staple firing stroke. As the firing member 26260 is advanceddistally, the firing member 26260 contacts the bridges 26233 and breaksand/or incises the bridges 26233 which creates spikes in the pushingforce and/or supply current which are different that the spikes createdwhen the staples are deformed. In at least one instance, the spikescreated by defeating the bridges 26233 are much larger than the spikescreated by deforming the staples and the controller is configured todiscern the difference in such spikes. Once the controller identifiesthat certain spikes have been created by the bridges, the controller canstop the staple firing stroke. As the reader should appreciate, such anarrangement would allow the controller to stop the staple firing systemat the appropriate moment regardless of the length of the staplecartridge attached to the stapling assembly and/or regardless of thenumber of staples stored in the staple cartridge, for example.

Many of the surgical instrument systems described herein are motivatedby an electric motor; however, the surgical instrument systems describedherein can be motivated in any suitable manner. In various instances,the surgical instrument systems described herein can be motivated by amanually-operated trigger, for example. In certain instances, the motorsdisclosed herein may comprise a portion or portions of a roboticallycontrolled system. Moreover, any of the end effectors and/or toolassemblies disclosed herein can be utilized with a robotic surgicalinstrument system. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/118,241, entitledSURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLE DEPLOYMENTARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535, for example, disclosesseveral examples of a robotic surgical instrument system in greaterdetail. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/118,241, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS WITH ROTATABLE STAPLEDEPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,535 is incorporated byreference herein.

The surgical instrument systems described herein have been described inconnection with the deployment and deformation of staples; however, theembodiments described herein are not so limited. Various embodiments areenvisioned which deploy fasteners other than staples, such as clamps ortacks, for example. Moreover, various embodiments are envisioned whichutilize any suitable means for sealing tissue. For instance, an endeffector in accordance with various embodiments can comprise electrodesconfigured to heat and seal the tissue. Also, for instance, an endeffector in accordance with certain embodiments can apply vibrationalenergy to seal the tissue.

The entire disclosures of:

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U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,266, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING SYSTEMS FOR PERMITTING THE OPTIONAL TRANSECTION OFTISSUE, which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/813,274, entitled SURGICALINSTRUMENT COMPRISING A SYSTEM FOR BYPASSING AN OPERATIONAL STEP OF THESURGICAL INSTRUMENT; which was filed on Jul. 30, 2015;

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U.S. Pat. No. 7,464,849, entitled ELECTRO-MECHANICAL SURGICAL INSTRUMENTWITH CLOSURE SYSTEM AND ANVIL ALIGNMENT COMPONENTS, which issued on Dec.16, 2008;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,670,334, entitled SURGICAL INSTRUMENT HAVING ANARTICULATING END EFFECTOR, which issued on Mar. 2, 2010;

U.S. Pat. No. 7,753,245, entitled SURGICAL STAPLING INSTRUMENTS, whichissued on Jul. 13, 2010; U.S. Pat. No. 8,393,514, entitled SELECTIVELYORIENTABLE IMPLANTABLE FASTENER CARTRIDGE, which issued on Mar. 12,2013;

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U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0264194, entitled SURGICALSTAPLING INSTRUMENT WITH AN ARTICULATABLE END EFFECTOR, filed Apr. 22,2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,040, are hereby incorporated by referenceherein.

Although various devices have been described herein in connection withcertain embodiments, modifications and variations to those embodimentsmay be implemented. Also, where materials are disclosed for certaincomponents, other materials may be used. Furthermore, according tovarious embodiments, a single component may be replaced by multiplecomponents, and multiple components may be replaced by a singlecomponent, to perform a given function or functions. The foregoingdescription and following claims are intended to cover all suchmodification and variations.

The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after asingle use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In eithercase, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at leastone use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the stepsincluding, but not limited to, the disassembly of the device, followedby cleaning or replacement of particular pieces of the device, andsubsequent reassembly of the device. In particular, a reconditioningfacility and/or surgical team can disassemble a device and, aftercleaning and/or replacing particular parts of the device, the device canbe reassembled for subsequent use. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety oftechniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use ofsuch techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all withinthe scope of the present application.

The devices disclosed herein may be processed before surgery. First, anew or used instrument may be obtained and, when necessary, cleaned. Theinstrument may then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, theinstrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plasticor TYVEK bag. The container and instrument may then be placed in a fieldof radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation,x-rays, and/or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria onthe instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument may thenbe stored in the sterile container. The sealed container may keep theinstrument sterile until it is opened in a medical facility. A devicemay also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art,including but not limited to beta radiation, gamma radiation, ethyleneoxide, plasma peroxide, and/or steam.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples.

Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or inpart, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein isincorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated materialsdo not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or otherdisclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to theextent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth hereinsupersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference.Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated byreference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions,statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only beincorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between thatincorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

What is claimed is:
 1. A surgical cutting and stapling end effector,comprising: a channel configured to operably support a removable staplecartridge that includes surgical staples stored therein that are ejectedfrom the removable staple cartridge as a sled that is movably supportedtherein is moved from a starting position to an ending position in theremovable staple cartridge; a rotary end effector drive shaft supportedwithin said channel and operably coupled to a proximal source of rotarymotion, at least a portion of said rotary end effector drive shaft beingdeflectable between a first position and a second position whileremaining in operable rotary engagement with said proximal source ofrotary motion; and a firing assembly in driving engagement with saidrotary end effector drive shaft and being movable from a locked positioncorresponding to said first position of said rotary end effector driveshaft wherein said firing assembly is prevented from moving distallythrough said channel to an unlocked position when a sled of a staplecartridge that has been seated in said channel deflects said at least aportion of said rotary end effector drive shaft into said secondposition to enable said firing assembly to longitudinally move throughsaid channel upon rotation of said rotary end effector drive shaft. 2.The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 1, wherein saidfiring assembly comprises a firing body in driving engagement with saidrotary end effector drive shaft and wherein said channel defines apassageway configured to permit said firing body to longitudinally passtherethrough when said rotary end effector drive shaft is in said secondposition.
 3. The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 2,wherein said firing body comprises: a bottom foot portion; and avertically extending body portion defining a passage for drivinglyengaging said rotary end effector drive shaft and extending from saidbottom foot portion and wherein said passageway in said channel isdefined by a pair of inwardly extending tabs configured to be engaged bysaid bottom foot portion of said firing body and wherein said pair ofinwardly extending tabs define a firing slot therebetween for receivingthe vertically extending body portion.
 4. The surgical cutting andstapling end effector of claim 3, wherein said firing body furthercomprises a tissue cutting edge.
 5. The surgical cutting and staplingend effector of claim 1, further comprising an anvil movably supportedon said channel and being configured to move between an open and aclosed position upon application of a closing motion thereto.
 6. Thesurgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 1, furthercomprising a biasing member configured to bias said firing assembly intosaid locked position.
 7. A surgical cutting and stapling end effector,comprising: a channel configured to operably support a removable staplecartridge that includes surgical staples stored therein that are ejectedfrom the cartridge as a sled that is movably supported therein is movedfrom a starting position to an ending position in the staple cartridge;an anvil assembly comprising: an anvil frame being selectively movablebetween open and closed positions relative to said channel uponapplication of opening and closing motions thereto; and an anvilconcentric drive member rotatably supported by said anvil frame andconfigured to receive rotary drive motions when said anvil frame is insaid closed position and wherein said surgical cutting and stapling endeffector further comprises: a firing assembly in driving engagement withsaid anvil concentric drive member and being movable from a lockedposition wherein said firing assembly is prevented from moving distallythrough said channel to an unlocked position when a sled of a staplecartridge seated in said channel in the starting position engages saidfiring assembly to thereby move said firing assembly to an unlockedposition wherein rotation of said anvil concentric drive member in afirst rotary direction causes said firing assembly to travel from astarting position to an ending position within said end effector.
 8. Thesurgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 7, wherein saidfiring assembly comprises a firing body drivingly journaled on saidanvil concentric drive member, and wherein said channel defines apassageway configured to permit said firing body to longitudinally passtherethrough when said firing body is in said unlocked position.
 9. Thesurgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 8, wherein saidfiring body comprises: a bottom foot portion; a vertically extendingbody portion extending from said bottom foot portion; and a driveportion configured to drivingly engage said anvil concentric drivemember and wherein said passageway in said channel is defined by a pairof inwardly extending tabs configured to be engaged by said bottom footportion of said firing body and wherein said pair of inwardly extendingtabs define a firing slot therebetween for receiving the verticallyextending body portion when said firing assembly is in said unlockedposition.
 10. The surgical cutting and stapling end effector of claim 9,wherein said firing body further comprises a tissue cutting edge.
 11. Anend effector, comprising: a channel configured to operably support aremovable staple cartridge, wherein the removable staple cartridgecomprises surgical staples and a sled, wherein the sled is movable froma starting position toward an ending position to eject the surgicalstaples from the removable staple cartridge; a rotary end effector driveshaft operably coupled to a proximal source of rotary motion, wherein atleast a portion of said rotary end effector drive shaft is deflectablebetween a first position and a second position while said rotary endeffector drive shaft remains in operable rotary engagement with saidproximal source of rotary motion; and a firing assembly in drivingengagement with said rotary end effector drive shaft, wherein saidfiring assembly is movable between a locked position corresponding tosaid first position of said rotary end effector drive shaft and anunlocked position corresponding to said second position of said rotaryend effector drive shaft, wherein said firing assembly is prevented frommoving distally through said channel when said firing assembly is insaid locked position, wherein said firing assembly is moved from saidlocked position to said unlocked position when the staple cartridge hasbeen seated in said channel with the sled in the starting position,wherein the sled deflects said at least a portion of said rotary endeffector drive shaft into said second position to enable said firingassembly to longitudinally move through said channel upon rotation ofsaid rotary end effector drive shaft when the staple cartridge is seatedin the channel and the sled is in the starting position.
 12. An endeffector for use with a surgical instrument, wherein said end effectorcomprises: a channel configured to operably support a removable staplecartridge comprising surgical staples and a sled, wherein the surgicalstaples are configured to be ejected from the cartridge as the sled ismoved from a starting position to an ending position in the staplecartridge; an anvil assembly comprising: an anvil frame selectivelymovable between an open position and a closed position relative to saidchannel upon application of opening and closing motions thereto; and ananvil concentric drive member rotatably supported by said anvil frameand configured to receive rotary drive motions when said anvil frame isin said closed position; and a firing assembly in driving engagementwith said anvil concentric drive member and being movable from a lockedposition wherein said firing assembly is prevented from moving distallythrough said channel to an unlocked position wherein said firingassembly is permitted to move distally through said channel, whereinsaid firing assembly is moved from said locked position to said unlockedposition when the staple cartridge is seated in said channel and thesled is in the starting position, wherein rotation of said anvilconcentric drive member in a first rotary direction causes said firingassembly to travel from a starting position to an ending position withinsaid end effector when said firing assembly is in said unlockedposition.